In a bid to bring clean energy to the Niger Delta and make the rural dwellers feel belonged, the Federal Government launched the state-level rollout of the National Grassroots Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Penetration Programme (NGLPP) in Bayelsa State.
This was done with the distribution of free 3kg LPG cylinders to households across the eight local government areas of the state
The programme, implemented under the Decade of Gas Initiative, is designed to provide five million Nigerian households with access to clean, safe and affordable cooking gas by 2030 while promoting economic growth, environmental sustainability and improved public health.
Speaking on Tuesday in Yenagoa at the flag-off ceremony , the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the initiative as a landmark intervention that would improve the quality of life of Nigerians through expanded access to clean energy.
Ekpo said Bayelsa had made history as the first state to host the state-level rollout of the programme, noting that the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to translating Nigeria’s abundant natural gas resources into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
He said no family should be forced to rely on firewood or other harmful cooking fuels when the country possesses sufficient gas resources to provide cleaner and safer alternatives.
According to him, the programme seeks to improve public health, reduce environmental degradation caused by traditional cooking methods, empower women and create sustainable livelihood opportunities across communities.
“This occasion is not merely an event; it is a landmark moment in our collective journey towards cleaner energy, healthier homes and a more prosperous nation,” the minister said.
He explained that the state-level rollout builds on the successful zonal phase earlier implemented across the country’s six geopolitical zones and aligns with President Bola Ahmed.
Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at improving energy access, economic empowerment and inclusive national development.
Ekpo added that the distribution of LPG cylinders represents a deliberate investment in the health, welfare and economic wellbeing of thousands of households in Bayelsa State.
In his welcome address, the Coordinating Director of the Decade of Gas Initiative, Ed Ubong, said the programme aims to transition one million households annually to cooking gas, with a target of reaching five million homes by 2030.
He disclosed that about 27,000 households in Bayelsa State are expected to benefit from the initiative.
Ubong described the programme as an ambitious intervention of the Federal Government under President Tinubu aimed at accelerating clean energy adoption across Nigeria.
Governor Douye Diri, who attended the event, commended the Federal Government for the initiative, saying it would significantly improve the living conditions of Bayelsa residents, particularly communities affected by environmental degradation and economic challenges.
The governor said collaboration between the Federal Government, Bayelsa State Government, development partners and sponsors would be critical to achieving sustainable energy access for Nigerians.
“I felt that I have to be personally here to witness what is going on and also to address you. On behalf of the Government of Prosperity and the good people of Bayelsa State, we sincerely appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources (Gas), and all the partners and sponsors for bringing this initiative to our state.
“We are grateful that the narrative is beginning to change,” Diri said.
