Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, recently emphasized plans to enhance the use of cleaner cooking gas in rural Nigeria. This announcement came during the opening of the 48th Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE 2025) in Lagos on August 4.
The conference, themed “Building a Sustainable Energy Future: Leveraging Technology, Supply Chain, Human Resources, Policy,” focused on strategies for improving energy access and efficiency.
Ekpo highlighted the government’s LPG Penetration Programme, which aims to distribute cooking gas cylinders nationwide. This initiative is designed to empower women and youth to advocate for clean cooking in rural communities. The goal is to transition five million households to clean cooking by 2030.
“The expansion of gas supply for industries is a priority,” Ekpo stated, emphasizing support for manufacturing and power generation. He assured stakeholders that industrial gas needs are being met.
The minister pointed out ongoing investments in gas infrastructure, including the OB3 and AKK pipelines. He mentioned innovative projects like mini-LNG and CNG stations, which will enhance local access to gas and stimulate local economies.
Job creation is another focus. Public-private partnerships are being formed in construction and logistics, creating opportunities within the gas sector.
Ekpo praised NAICE for being a vital platform for energy discussion and policy development in Nigeria. He underscored the importance of balancing energy security with climate goals, especially for developing nations like Nigeria. He called for innovative policies and investments to address these challenges.
Supporting the government’s push, President Bola Tinubu has made gas a centerpiece of Nigeria’s energy strategy. The phrase “From Gas to Prosperity” captures the vision for gas-driven industrial growth and job creation across the country.
The recent Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) has laid a strong framework for advancing the sector. It aims for market-reflective pricing and domestic supply commitments.
Collaboration is essential, Ekpo stressed, noting that the government cannot achieve these goals alone. Input from professionals, private businesses, and global partners is crucial for success.
Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner Abiodun Ogunleye, echoed these sentiments, calling for a sustainable and innovative future in energy. He mentioned Lagos’s commitment to clean energy and its investments in infrastructure and human capital.
The conference attracted around 2,000 participants and 70 exhibitors, marking significant interest in the energy sector’s future. As more discussions unfold, the focus remains on how Nigeria can navigate its energy transition while ensuring accessibility and sustainability.
Recent surveys indicate that nearly 70% of Nigerians support the transition to cleaner energy sources, highlighting a growing national consciousness around the importance of sustainability. This collective interest will play a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s energy landscape in the coming years.
For more insights on energy policies and statistics, refer to the International Energy Agency.
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Clean cooking gas,Ekperikpe Ekpo,NAICE 2025,Nigeria
