By Samuel Oyadongha, Yenagoa

The Federal Government on Tuesday launched its State-Level Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Cylinder Distribution Programme in Bayelsa State, with 27,000 households expected to benefit from the initiative aimed at expanding access to clean cooking energy.

Bayelsa is the first state to host the state-level rollout of the programme, which forms part of the Federal Government’s target of transitioning five million households to cooking gas by 2030.

Speaking at the launch in Yenagoa, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the initiative as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to improve access to clean and affordable energy.

He said the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and is designed to improve public health, reduce reliance on firewood and charcoal, and promote environmental sustainability.

“The promise of Nigeria’s abundant natural gas must translate into dignity, safety and improved wellbeing for our people.

“No mother should be compelled to choose between feeding her family and protecting her health. No child should inhale harmful smoke because cleaner energy remains beyond reach,” the minister said.

Ekpo explained that the state-level rollout follows an earlier zonal phase implemented across the country’s six geopolitical zones and is intended to bring the benefits of clean cooking directly to households.

According to him, increasing the use of LPG will reduce dependence on traditional cooking fuels, help curb deforestation and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

“Every cylinder placed in the hands of a beneficiary represents one less household dependent on firewood, charcoal or other harmful cooking fuels,” he said.

The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to extending the programme to all states of the federation.

Coordinating Director of the Decade of Gas Initiative, Ed Ubong, said the programme targets the transition of one million households annually to cooking gas, with 27,000 households selected as beneficiaries in Bayelsa State.

He said Bayelsa was chosen for the launch because of its strategic role in Nigeria’s gas industry.

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards improving the welfare of residents and reducing the environmental and health risks associated with the use of firewood.

He noted that many households in the state still depend on firewood for cooking despite Bayelsa’s status as an oil- and gas-producing state.

The governor expressed hope that the programme would encourage wider adoption of cleaner cooking energy and improve the quality of life for residents.

Diri also called on oil companies operating in the Niger Delta to contribute more to the development of their host communities.