From Uche Usim, Abuja
As the energy transition project gathers steam, the Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo has solicited the cooperation of private sector investors in deepening the utilisation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in Nigeria, being a cleaner and cheaper source of energy.
The minister stated this at the 13th Nigeria Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association (NLPGA) Conference and Exhibition in Abuja on Tuesday, where he tasked investors and relevant stakeholders in the industry to bridge the energy transition gap with a sense of urgency and strategic direction.
The minister lauded the NLPGA for demonstrating unwavering dedication to the promotion of LPG as a catalyst for socio-economic transformation.
Ekpo also pledged the commitment of the Federal Government in creating a conducive environment to support investments and innovations in the LPG sector.
“Our focus is on harnessing the potential of LPG in transforming the transportation sector through the wider adoption and use of autogas, creating divest fuel options for domestic generators, stimulating growth in agriculture, and protecting our environment from deforestation,” he said.
According to the minister, the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) as a cleaner, more efficient fuel for vehicles is a practical step toward reducing carbon footprint and managing the environmental impact of the country’s transport sector.
“We are also cognizant of the need to explore innovative approaches to LPG utilization in power generation, providing a reliable and sustainable energy source for millions of Nigerians currently dependent on less eco-friendly fuels,” he said.
Ekpo said in agriculture, LPG can play a transformative role in reducing deforestation associated with traditional biomass use and providing a cleaner alternative for agro-processing, thereby contributing to food security and rural development.
“Our journey towards this envisioned future is predicated on the successful collaboration between the government and the private sector. To this end, we are committed to creating a conducive environment for investment, innovation, and sustainable growth through policy frameworks and initiatives that support the LPG sector’s expansion,” he said.