FG Begins Distribution of Free Gas Cylinders to One Million Homes
As part of its efforts to promote clean cooking energy across Nigeria, the Federal Government has launched a program to distribute free cooking gas cylinders to one million homes. The initiative aims to transition at least one million households to clean cooking gas by 2030.
Under the ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative, tagged Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) grassroots penetration, the program is set to distribute around 250,000 gas cylinders to women in rural communities across the country. The official flag-off took place in the Apo Resettlement area of Abuja, led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Key Highlights
- Program Launch: Ekpo, who supervised the distribution of 1,000 gas-filled 3kg cylinders to rural women from the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory, described the event as a crucial milestone in Nigeria’s quest for cleaner fuel deployment. He emphasized the government’s commitment to increasing domestic gas usage to improve public health and reduce reliance on traditional cooking fuels.
- Health and Environmental Benefits: Ekpo highlighted the significant health benefits of using gas over traditional fuels like firewood, kerosene, and charcoal, which contribute to deforestation, environmental degradation, and harmful indoor air pollution. Transitioning to LPG is expected to improve the health of women and girls who are most affected by traditional cooking methods.
- Economic and Gender Empowerment: The initiative is also seen as a step towards enhancing women’s inclusion and providing employment opportunities for the youth. By offering safer and more efficient energy solutions, the government aims to advance gender equality and economic empowerment.
- Private Sector Partnership: Ed Ubong, the Coordinating Director of the ‘Decade of Gas’ program, noted that the initiative, funded by the private sector, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s theme, “Gas to Prosperity, a Renewed Hope.” The program aims to eliminate the use of wood and kerosene in homes, with a target of distributing over a million cylinders, primarily to women in rural areas.
- Broader Impacts: Minister of Youth Development, Jamila Ibrahim, pointed out that LPG usage reduces respiratory illnesses by 50%, a significant health benefit for Nigerian families. She also mentioned a World Bank report estimating that widespread LPG adoption could save Nigeria over $5 billion annually in healthcare costs.
- Addressing Barriers: Farouk Ahmed, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), identified the cost of cylinders and initial equipment as major barriers to LPG adoption. He expressed confidence that the government’s efforts are lowering these entry barriers, making clean cooking gas more accessible to women.
Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum (Gas)
Community Response
Sarah Tukura, speaking on behalf of the women of the Federal Capital Territory, expressed gratitude for the initiative. She thanked the government and its partners for helping rural communities transition away from using firewood and charcoal.
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The event was attended by notable figures including the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum, Nicholas Ella; Chief Executive of Smart Gas, Dr. Yinka Opeke; Executive Director of Midstream Fund, Oluwole Adama; and CEO of A4E, Oga Adejo-Ogiri, among others.
This initiative marks a significant step towards promoting clean energy and sustainable development in Nigeria, with wide-ranging benefits for public health, the environment, and economic empowerment.
