The Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) have reaffirmed their commitment to increasing the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) among Nigerians. This pledge was made during the Nigerian Association of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Marketers’ (NALPGAM) 2024 National Conference in Lagos, themed ‘Sustainable Energy Growth in Nigeria.’
Speaking at the conference, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekeperikpe Ekpo, represented by ministry official Abel Nsa, underscored the government’s ambitious goal of increasing LPG consumption to five million metric tonnes annually by 2030. Ekpo highlighted the need for infrastructure expansion and favorable market conditions to drive investment in the LPG value chain, noting that the initiative is part of the broader Decade of Gas initiative.
“Our target is ambitious; to increase LPG consumption in Nigeria to five million metric tonnes per annum by 2030,” Ekpo stated. He emphasized that increased LPG adoption could reduce Nigeria’s reliance on traditional biomass for cooking, which contributes to poor indoor air quality, thus offering health and environmental benefits. The government is also working on an LPG Cylinder Distribution Programme, aiming to transition 250,000 homes to clean cooking solutions over the next decade.
The NMDPRA’s Executive Director of Distribution Systems, Storage, and Retailing Infrastructure, Ogbugo Ukoha, outlined regulatory measures to enhance LPG growth. He pointed out the industry’s current challenges, including limited gas processing capacity and local cylinder production, as well as the need for improved safety compliance.
Ukoha revealed that the Midstream and Downstream Gas Infrastructure Fund (MDGIF) recently awarded N122 billion in equity to six gas infrastructure projects. He encouraged LPG marketers to submit qualified proposals for future funding opportunities, stressing that collaboration between stakeholders is essential for ensuring affordability, accessibility, and sustainability in the sector.
NALPGAM President, Abideen Olatunbosun, highlighted the importance of LPG in Nigeria’s energy future, calling for increased investment in infrastructure and technology. He urged stakeholders to work together to support energy sustainability, noting that recent changes, such as the Petroleum Industry Act and the rise of indigenous investors, have reshaped the oil and gas sector.
With the government and industry leaders united, the conference signaled a renewed focus on advancing LPG usage to improve energy security, health, and environmental outcomes in Nigeria.
