June 27, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has launched the North-West Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Penetration Programme in Sokoto State, aimed at promoting clean and sustainable energy across the region.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr Ekperikpe Ekpo, who flagged off the initiative, said it aligns with the federal government’s agenda to deepen LPG adoption, especially among women and youths.
The ceremony featured the symbolic distribution of gas cylinders to beneficiaries as part of a broader empowerment drive under the programme.
Welcoming the federal delegation, Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State commended President Bola Tinubu for selecting Sokoto as host of the pilot initiative, describing it as timely, visionary and aligned with the state’s environmental and economic goals.
“This programme seeks to encourage the use of LPG for domestic and industrial purposes, reducing overdependence on firewood and other biomass fuels.
As a Sahel state vulnerable to desertification, this transition is vital for both environmental protection and the welfare of our people,” he said.
The governor noted that his administration had launched several efforts to combat environmental degradation, including an annual tree-planting campaign across all 23 local government areas.
He also stressed the public health and climate benefits of LPG adoption, urging federal authorities and stakeholders to ensure affordability and access, particularly in rural areas.
“For this initiative to succeed, LPG must be accessible and affordable to the average Nigerian. This will discourage deforestation, improve health outcomes, and uplift living standards,” he said.
Governor Aliyu also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for prioritising oil exploration in the Kalmalo area of Illela Local Government Area, where substantial deposits have been discovered in the Sokoto Basin.
He urged contractors involved in the exploration to expedite their work, citing its potential to contribute to national revenue and enhance economic opportunities for residents.
Other speakers at the event described the programme as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s push for cleaner energy and sustainable development, with Sokoto pledging full support for its implementation.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
