By Laja THOMAS & William JIMOH

The Lagos State Government in collaboration with Banner Energy Limited, and Oando Plc, have kick started the second phase of the Eko Gas project, in the Ikorodu area of the state.

Speaking at the commissioning of a newly erected gas plant in Ewu Elepe community in Ikorodu, the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, said one of the areas of focus of his second term, is revamping the energy sector. This is to ensure that it serves as a driver of the socio-economic development of the state.

Fashola, who was represented by Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke  Orelope-Adefulire, lamented the fact that Nigeria, despite been rated the highest producer of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG or cooking gas,  is ranked as the lowest in consumption of the product.

According to him, Lagos State recognises the health and environmental challenges that the use of kerosene and firewood pose to the environment and people in terms of emission, adding that it is working tirelessly to ensure that gas is utilized for even development.

Also speaking, Mr. Nuhu Yakubu, Chairman, Banner Energy Limited, said, “The Parameter for setting up the Eko Gas project is the same one provided y the Lagos State Government and the Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry through its LPG department.

“The journey so far on this laudable project has been smooth. We are focused and are working very hard to ensure that we satisfy the people, to ensure that all the local government areas and the Local council development areas are LPG compliant.

“This is programme that the Lagos State government has injected over 300 million into the acquisition of cylinders and is sharing them  to communities, development centres and cooperatives in order to ensure that it benefits people at the grassroots immensely.

“The government has substantially subsidized the scheme such that liquefied gas for cooking is now very much available to the common man. You could get N100 LPG for use at your home. And the government is also giving out many of the cylinders for free. Gas is now available for everyone.

“The Eko gas project is ensuring that Lagosians can buy the LPG at a price they can afford. The era of having to get N3000 before you could fill up your gas cylinder is gone. Everyone now can afford it and use it to cook. There also now smaller sizes of the gas cylinders which are available at affordable prices. Several energy firms such as Banner Energy Limited, Onado among others are also investing into the project as the government has given us an enabling environment.

“Through trainings that are affordable to school leavers and youths, the government and private partners are ensuring that there are job opportunities for the people at the grassroots in this scheme. This scheme will ensure that millions of people are gainfully employed. Banner Energy has provided this service in other states in south-south, south east and south west Nigeria. We are also planning to get into the northern parts.”

Also speaking, Mr. Dayo Adeshina , President, Nigeria LPGAS Association, said: ‘ Many people are cooking with firewood and kerosene without realising that it is harmful to them and the environment because of the pollution from the smoke being emitted from the stove and the firewoods. But with gas, it is healthier and since it is now more affordable and available to everyone, i think the best thing is to buy into it.

“The plant is here now in the heart of Ikorodu so that people residing here and wanting gas wouldn’t have to go far away to get it. Bringing the plant here also has a multiplying effect because people who hitherto were dealing with kerosene could now become gas dealers. We are launching 27 of the gas plants in different local government in Lagos State.”