PHOTOS: FG unveils north-west LPG penetration scheme in Sokoto

The federal government has launched the north-west liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) penetration programme in Sokoto.

In a statement on Friday, Ekperikpe Ekpo, the minister of state for petroleum resources (gas), said the programme was launched to advance the national agenda of promoting clean and sustainable energy.

“Yesterday in Sokoto, I had the honour of flagging off the North West Zone phase of our grassroots LPG Penetration Programme—another major step in our commitment to clean energy access for all Nigerians,” the statement reads.

“This follows successful launches in the South West, South South, North East, and FCT.

“With support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, our goal is to distribute five million LPG cylinders by 2030, converting one million households each year to cleaner, safer, and more sustainable cooking methods.”

Ekpo said the initiative is beyond gas, noting that it addresses health, opportunity, and environmental responsibility.

The minister said the scheme would help reduce indoor air pollution, curb deforestation, create jobs in the LPG value chain for women and youth, and support local manufacturers and distributors.

He expressed gratitude to Ahmad Aliyu, governor of Sokoto, for the warm reception and ongoing support, and thanked “His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto for his leadership and commitment to the welfare of our people”.

The minister also commended the coordinator of the ‘Decade of Gas’ secretariat for their dedication and strategic leadership in driving the initiative forward.

Ekpo extended special thanks to BUA Group, the primary sponsor of the LPG cylinder distribution, “whose contribution is playing a crucial role in bringing LPG access to underserved communities and promoting public-private collaboration”.

Encouraging Nigerians to become “champions of this cause”, Ekpo said each cylinder distributed brings the nation closer to a healthier future.

Here are photos from the event.