By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO — The Federal Government has launched the North-West Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Penetration Programme in Sokoto State, advancing its national drive toward clean and sustainable energy while reducing dependence on traditional biomass fuels.

The official flag-off ceremony, held Thursday in Sokoto, marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing energy transition efforts. A key component of the launch was the distribution of LPG cylinders to women and youth, aimed at enhancing access to clean cooking energy and empowering vulnerable groups.

Leading the federal delegation was the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, who emphasized the programme’s importance in promoting inclusive economic growth, gender empowerment, and environmental protection across the North-West region.

In his welcome remarks, Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State expressed deep gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for choosing Sokoto as the launch site, describing the initiative as “timely, visionary, and commendable.”

“This programme encourages the adoption of LPG for domestic and industrial use, reducing dependence on firewood and harmful biomass,” the governor noted, stressing that the initiative is crucial for Sokoto, a Sahelian state already experiencing the harsh effects of desertification and climate change.

Governor Aliyu also highlighted his administration’s efforts to combat environmental degradation through annual tree-planting campaigns across the 23 local government areas, adding that such state-level initiatives complement federal objectives.

He assured of the state’s commitment to fully support the LPG rollout through infrastructure development, stakeholder collaboration, and community sensitization.

In his address, Dr. Ekpo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to scale up LPG adoption nationwide, pointing out the fuel’s health, environmental, and economic benefits.

He urged other states to take a cue from Sokoto’s proactive stance and pledged continuous federal support for clean energy programmes at the sub-national level.

The Sokoto launch of the LPG Penetration Programme marks a significant leap forward in Nigeria’s energy diversification and climate resilience agenda, underscoring the government’s commitment to building a cleaner, safer future for all Nigerians.