…seek public, private sector funding to boost cooking gas utilization across 774 LGAs in Nigeria

Oredola Adeola

The Women in Energy Network (WIEN), in partnership with Smart Gas Limited, is seeking support from both private and government sectors, along with other collaborators, to fund the annual distribution of 100,000 3kg and 6kg gas cylinders to households across all 774 LGAs, with a short- to medium-term goal of reaching over 500,000 homes.

This announcement was made during a press briefing held by WIEN and SmartGas Limited on Thursday in Ikeja, Lagos.

Mrs. Eyono Fatai-Williams, President of the Women in Energy Network (WIEN), endorsed the recent LPG distribution initiative as a pivotal step in line with Nigeria’s fuel diversification and economic sustainability goals.

Her remarks at the event highlighted the initiative’s alignment with the federal government’s strategy to reduce dependence on traditional, non-renewable energy sources.

She explained that the Nigerian government is committed to diversifying its energy mix to ensure long-term economic stability by promoting LPG as an alternative to firewood and coal.

She said, “This initiative supports the National Gas Expansion Program (NGEP), which seeks to boost domestic LPG consumption and decrease reliance on kerosene and other polluting fuels.

“LPG provides a more cost-effective and sustainable energy source for households compared to firewood, coal, and kerosene.”

“It not only reduces household energy expenses over time but also helps cut fuel importation costs. Utilizing locally sourced LPG from plants like NLNG and NEDOGAS keeps energy-related funds within Nigeria, strengthening our economy,” Mrs. Fatai-Williams noted.

She also highlighted the health benefits of transitioning to LPG, emphasizing its role in improving public health by reducing household air pollution, a major cause of respiratory diseases in Nigeria.

He stated that the shift to LPG supports the national health agenda by lessening the burden of respiratory illnesses and lowering healthcare costs.

Additionally, Mrs. Fatai-Williams addressed the environmental impact of LPG, noting that it is a cleaner fuel compared to firewood, coal, and kerosene.

According to her, increased LPG adoption will help mitigate deforestation, soil erosion, and harmful emissions, aligning with Nigeria’s climate change commitments.

She further emphasized the practical benefits of LPG, particularly for rural women.

The WIEN President therefore emphasised that switching to LPG doesn’t just save costs, adding that it also saves time.

“Making LPG widely available empowers households with more efficient cooking methods, allowing women and families to focus on education, income-generating activities, and other productive endeavors,” she said.

Mrs. Fatai-Williams also underscored the economic benefits of the initiative, noting that it will create a new value chain for LPG distribution and services, stimulate local economies, and generate jobs.

She reaffirmed that safety is a top priority, advocating for proper handling and safety awareness to prevent accidents and hazards.

The WIEN President therefore expressed confidence in the role of women as key drivers in the effort to transition away from dirty fuels, improving the environment and well-being of Nigerian families.

Dr. Yinka Opeke, CEO of SmartGas Limited, has urged both private and public sectors to collaborate in supporting her company’s initiative to distribute LPG cylinders nationwide. The goal is to increase cooking gas utilization in all 774 local government areas across Nigeria.

Dr. Opeke emphasized that the partnership aims to address energy poverty and promote domestic cooking gas usage. She noted that many Nigerians live below the poverty line, making it challenging for them to afford even necessities.

She said,”Currently, a three-kilogram cylinder, along with a burner and gas, costs between ₦28,000 and ₦30,000. For many low-income individuals, this cost is prohibitive.

“The focus is not just on the health benefits of cooking gas,” Dr. Opeke explained. “For many, the priority is meeting daily needs, such as paying for hospital bills and feeding their families. This grassroots effort aims to address these pressing concerns.”

SmartGas Limited plans to partner with various stakeholders to fund and distribute 3kg and 6kg cylinders across communities. The company aims to distribute 100,000 cylinders annually, potentially impacting over 500,000 households.

Dr. Opeke stressed the importance of this initiative in transitioning households to cleaner cooking solutions and alleviating energy poverty.