FG Kicks Off Free Cooking Gas Cylinder Distribution in Lagos, Paving the Way for Clean Cooking Across Nigeria

Federal Government, in collaboration with the Decade of Gas Initiative, launched the distribution of free cooking gas cylinders to around 300 women in Lagos State on Monday. The event, held in Ikeja, was spearheaded by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and marked the beginning of a nationwide initiative aimed at providing 1 million homes with access to clean cooking by 2030.

Minister Ekpo emphasized that the initiative, approved by President Bola Tinubu, reflects the government’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of Nigerians. He encouraged the beneficiaries to switch from traditional cooking methods, such as firewood, kerosene, and charcoal, to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), which is safer, cleaner, and more environmentally friendly.

“You should not sell these cylinders,” Ekpo cautioned, reassuring the women that the government is working to reduce the cost of cooking gas. “We ask for your patience and cooperation as we work towards making life better for everyone,” he added.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, represented by Professor Babatunde Bolaji, echoed this sentiment, urging the recipients to stop using firewood, which poses health risks and contributes to deforestation. He also assured the public that the government is addressing gas flaring issues, which will lead to a decrease in cooking gas prices.

Orelope Adefulure, Special Adviser to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also addressed the gathering, promising further collaboration with the Decade of Gas Initiative to expand the cylinder distribution across Lagos State.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Ghali Mustapha, praised the initiative, noting that previous administrations had fallen short in promoting clean cooking through gas cylinder distribution.

Mr. Ed Ebong, the Coordinator of the Decade of Gas Secretariat, announced that 250,000 cylinders would be distributed annually until 2030. The Lagos event marked the start of the LPG penetration programme in the South-West, with plans to extend the distribution to Akwa Ibom and other regions.

This initiative is a crucial step towards reducing Nigeria’s dependence on harmful cooking methods and improving public health, aligning with the country’s broader goals of environmental sustainability and economic growth.