The Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Ikenga Ugochinyere, has commended the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) for issuing Gas Distribution Licenses (GDLs) to 10 companies, describing it as a major step toward achieving the “Gas for All Homes” agenda.
The move, Ugochinyere noted, aligns with the Federal Government’s strategy to expand gas accessibility, promote clean energy, and reduce reliance on firewood and cooking stoves.
1.5 Billion Cubic Feet of Gas for Distribution
At the Gas Distribution Licence Award ceremony in Abuja, NMDPRA Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, revealed that the agency received 30 applications, out of which 10 companies were approved.
The awarded licenses cover the distribution of 1.5 billion standard cubic feet/day of gas through a 1,200-kilometer gas pipeline network, a move expected to boost domestic gas supply and energy access.
Supporting Nigeria’s Clean Energy Transition
In a statement, Ugochinyere emphasized the importance of expanding clean energy solutions for Nigerian households.
“The NMDPRA’s issuance of Gas Distribution Licenses is a bold step in actualizing the Gas for All Homes agenda, targeted at addressing energy challenges faced by Nigerians across all social strata,” he stated.
He highlighted that the initiative includes:
- Distribution of free gas cylinders to one million homes nationwide
- Annual conversion of 250,000 households to clean cooking gas by 2030
- Promotion of clean cooking energy and reduction of harmful fuel reliance
Legislative Oversight and Accountability
Ugochinyere assured that lawmakers, especially those in downstream petroleum committees, will provide strict oversight to ensure the initiative benefits Nigerians.
“This is a worthy initiative, and we pledge our support, but with strict supervision, to ensure that Nigerians benefit from it and that it does not become merely another government patronage scheme,” he affirmed.
With this step, Nigeria is advancing its clean energy transition, ensuring that gas-powered cooking becomes a sustainable alternative for millions of households.
