The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the energy challenges plaguing the North-East region. Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, made this pledge during the launch of the North-East Decade of Gas Clean Cooking (LPG) Grassroots Penetration Programme in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The Decade of Gas Initiative aims to transform Nigeria into a gas-powered economy, ensuring that clean energy becomes accessible and affordable for all. This initiative is crucial for the North-East region, which faces significant energy challenges.
Ekpo emphasized the government’s commitment to making LPG available and affordable for all Nigerians. He noted that the clean cooking initiative, conceived by President Bola Tinubu, aims to convert 250,000 homes per year to the use of LPG.
The adoption of LPG is expected to have numerous benefits, including cleaner air, reduced deforestation, and mitigated health risks from traditional fuels like charcoal and firewood. This switch supports the national strategy for a sustainable energy mix and reduced carbon emissions.
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Minister of Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Suleiman, highlighted the struggles women face when relying on firewood as a primary energy source. She emphasized the government’s commitment to transitioning one million households to clean cooking gas by 2030.
The government’s efforts to address energy poverty in the North-East region are commendable. The Decade of Gas Initiative has the potential to transform the region’s energy landscape, improving the lives of millions of Nigerians.
The successful implementation of this initiative will require collaborative efforts from various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector companies, and local communities. Key stakeholders, such as Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, have expressed their support for the initiative.