Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, says Federal Government is committed to advancing infrastructure development for the blending, storage and distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as part of its plans for 2026.
Verheijen stated this at the ongoing 6th West African LPG Expo in Lagos on Monday.
She noted that the initiative would reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports, stabilise LPG prices and contribute to a cleaner energy transition.
The Expo, themed “LPG as Clean Fuel for Energy Transition in West Africa,” brought together stakeholders in the energy sector to discuss ways to accelerate sustainable energy solutions across the region.
Verheijen, represented by Mr Lateef Biobaku, Team Lead on Energy, emphasised the government’s dedication to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 7), which promote affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
“This commitment is reflected in our push for clean cooking fuels like LPG to reduce poverty and improve public health.
“By advocating for LPG, a cleaner fuel that significantly cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions and indoor pollution, the government aims to protect the lives of Nigerians, especially women and children, from the dangers of traditional biomass fuels,” she said.
She added that Nigeria’s transition to LPG was critical not only for improving public health but also for reducing deforestation and contributing to global climate change mitigation efforts.
“This journey toward a sustainable energy future requires collective collaboration, innovation and commitment from all,” she stated.
Highlighting Nigeria’s pivotal role in the global energy transition, she noted that the country, with its abundant natural gas reserves, is uniquely positioned to lead West Africa’s move to cleaner energy sources.
“Nigeria holds one of the largest reserves of both associated and non-associated natural gas in the world. However, about 75% of this resource remains underutilised.
“It is imperative that we harness these resources to drive economic growth, social development and environmental sustainability,” she added.
Verheijen also referenced Nigeria’s ambitious “Gas for Growth” agenda, launched under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
She said that this initiative aims to harness the country’s vast gas resources to drive industrial growth, enhance power generation and create jobs, while also contributing to energy security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
To further stimulate investment in the oil and gas sector, the government has introduced tax incentives and streamlined regulations.
“These include tax exemptions for LPG-related equipment and feed gas used in processing,” Verheijen said.
She also noted that since November 2024, the government has stopped the export of domestically produced LPG, ensuring sufficient local supply and protecting consumers from global price fluctuations.
“We are also working with the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) to develop a domestic LPG pricing framework that aligns with in-country production costs.
“This will help stabilise LPG prices and ensure that Nigerians have access to affordable, clean energy,” she explained.
Verheijen assured that in the coming year, the government will continue to invest in infrastructure for LPG blending, storage and distribution to further reducing import dependence and supporting price stability.
“The future of energy in Nigeria is clean, affordable and sustainable.
“Together, we can create a future where energy access is universal, economic growth is inclusive, and our environment is safeguarded for future generations,” she concluded.
In her remarks, Mrs Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister for Women Affairs and Social Development, advocated for sustainable energy transition empowerment of women in West Africa.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim was represented by Prince Xavier Eyamba, Senior Technical Advisor on Climate Change and Green Economy to the minister, called for urgent action to address the environmental challenges posed by unsustainable forest exploitation for biomass in West Africa.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasised that deforestation not only threatens biodiversity but also accelerates climate change.
She pointed out that the widespread use of wood for cooking fuel was contributing to environmental degradation, endangering both human health and the planet’s future.
“Each tree felled for cooking fuel marks a retreat from our sustainable goals and poses a grave threat to the health of our environment and future generations.
“We must act now to reverse this trend and promote cleaner, more sustainable energy alternatives,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.
She called for a united movement to empower Nigerian women and involve them in the transition to cleaner energy solutions, specifically Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
“Together, we can create a movement that not only empowers women but also embraces our collective responsibility to combat climate change through meaningful adaptation strategies,” she added.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim stressed that access to affordable LPG is key to reducing deforestation and improving public health, particularly for women who are often the primary users of traditional cooking methods.
She affirmed that the Nigerian government, in collaboration with the Nigerian Gas Expansion and other relevant stakeholders, is working to make LPG more accessible to all households.
“We recognize that cost is a significant barrier, as Mr Kelly mentioned earlier this morning. Therefore, we are committed to facilitating the transition of households to clean cooking solutions,” she said.
The minister also highlighted the importance of capacity-building programmes aimed at empowering women to adopt LPG cooking practices.
Her ambition is to transition between 1 million and five million households to clean cook stoves in the coming years.
“Community engagement is crucial to raise awareness about the dangers of traditional cooking methods and the benefits of cleaner energy alternatives,” she noted.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim further emphasised the need for increased investment in clean cook stoves and LPG infrastructure, urging local investors and financial actors to play a more active role in the energy transition.
“This is a critical area for investment.
“We need local investors to help expand LPG infrastructure across Nigeria, ensuring that women are not only beneficiaries but also active stakeholders in this transition.
“From distribution to infrastructure development, we must ensure that women are included in every aspect of this movement,” she added.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Expo recorded about 200 participants and 50 exhibitors across the West African. (NAN)
