As a part of the Federal Government’s effort and support to enhance clean cooking energy in families across the country, it began the free distribution of gas cylinders, targeting 1 million homes by 2030. This programme, part of the ‘Decade of Gas’ initiative named LPG grassroots penetration, is expected to send out almost 250,000 gas cylinders across the country to women in rural areas.
At the programme held in the Apo Resettlement area of Abuja, Ekperike Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) said that the administration was highly determined to increase domestic gas usage. The Minister was present when 1000 3 kg-filled gas cylinders were handed over to women in rural areas from the six area councils of the Federal Capital Territory.
He added that the government’s push to embrace the use of gas as a cooking fuel and abandon traditional cooking methods is to enhance the health of women and girls, who end up bearing the greatest risk with conventional cooking methods. FG is commencing the free distribution of 1m gas cylinders.
“We aren’t just introducing a program today; we are on a mission to change the lives of millions of Nigerians in the six geographical zones. We hope to convert 250,000 houses a year to experience clean cooking gas by 2030, which is an attainable target, although a lofty one.
“This program is evidence of our steadfast dedication to lessen the excessive dependence on solid fuels, which has been the main energy source in most households.” He added.
In his remarks, the coordinating Director, Mr. Ed Ubong, said that this private-sector-funded programme aimed to end the use of wood and kerosene in homes. He added that the program was in line with President Bola Tinubu’s theme: “Gas to prosperity, a Renewed Hope.”
Mr. Ubong stressed that cooking gas is cleaner, Nigeria has a good number of gas resources, and they will partner with the private sector and the Minister of State Petroleum Resources Supervision to see how over a million cylinders can be deployed to all parts of the country. So, there’s indeed renewed hope for our girls and women as FG commences the free distribution of 1 million gas cylinders.
