YENAGOA — The Federal Government has launched a grassroots liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) programme targeting 27,000 households in Bayelsa State, in a move to expand access to clean cooking energy and reduce reliance on firewood.
The initiative, flagged off on Tuesday in Yenagoa by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, is part of Nigeria’s broader plan to transition five million households to LPG by 2030.
“This occasion is not merely an event; it is a landmark moment in our collective journey towards cleaner energy, healthier homes and a more prosperous nation,” Ekpo said at the launch.
He explained that the programme, driven under the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” initiative, aims to ensure that Nigeria’s gas resources translate into improved living conditions for citizens.
“At the heart of this programme lies a simple but powerful conviction: that the promise of Nigeria’s abundant natural gas must translate into dignity, safety and improved wellbeing for our people,” he said.
Ekpo noted that Bayelsa was selected as the first state for the rollout due to its status as a major gas-producing state, adding that the scheme marks a transition from earlier zonal pilot phases to full state-by-state implementation.
He also said the government had taken steps to boost local gas supply in the past by restricting exports during periods of high domestic prices, a move he said contributed to price stability.
Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, welcomed the initiative, describing it as a shift towards ensuring oil- and gas-producing communities benefit from cleaner energy solutions.
“This programme marks a significant step in ensuring that communities that produce the nation’s resources also enjoy the benefits of safer and cleaner energy,” Diri said.
He added that the scheme would help reduce deforestation, cut environmental degradation and improve public health by discouraging the use of firewood for cooking.
Also speaking, the Coordinating Director of the Decade of Gas initiative, Mr. Ed Ubong, said the programme represents a long-term investment aimed at accelerating clean energy adoption nationwide.
“Every cylinder placed in the hands of a beneficiary represents one less household dependent on firewood or charcoal, and one more family empowered to embrace a cleaner and safer energy source,” Ubong said.
He noted that beyond health benefits, the initiative would contribute to environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.
The LPG penetration programme forms part of the Federal Government’s broader energy transition strategy under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which focuses on expanding energy access, promoting environmental sustainability and improving living standards.
