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3,000 women to receive ₦100,000 each, amounting to ₦300 million, under the Federal Government’s grassroots LPG penetration programme.
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FG targets five million households by 2030 under the Decade of Gas Programme to promote cleaner and safer cooking.
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Governor Eno presents 3kg LPG cylinder to beneficiary, as he declares Akwa Ibom open for gas investment.
August 20, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) across Nigerian households, with 3,000 women in Akwa Ibom State set to receive ₦100,000 each to support their businesses and strengthen their livelihoods.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, stated this on Thursday in Uyo while representing the Federal Government at the activation of the National Grassroots LPG Penetration Programme and distribution of LPG cylinders in the state.
Ekperikpe Ekpo said the programme was designed to move Nigerian households away from firewood, charcoal, kerosene and other traditional cooking fuels to cleaner, safer and more efficient LPG.
He said the initiative formed part of the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Programme, which targets all 36 states, with an ambition to support one million households annually and reach five million homes by 2030.
According to the Minister, the Uyo activation was a landmark moment and the second national LPG penetration activation, following the inaugural programme held in Bayelsa State on July 28, 2026.
He said the empowerment of 3,000 women with ₦100,000 each was aimed at strengthening their businesses and families while ensuring that the benefits of the Federal Government’s gas initiative extend to the grassroots.
The Minister called on stakeholders, development partners, financial institutions, civil society organisations and the media to take ownership of the programme and support efforts to deepen LPG penetration across the country.
Ekperikpe Ekpo said the Federal Government viewed the expansion of domestic gas utilisation as an important component of its development agenda, particularly in promoting cleaner cooking, improving livelihoods and unlocking economic opportunities.
Speaking at the event, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, commended the Federal Government for bringing the programme to the state, saying it would improve livelihoods, protect the environment and contribute to better health outcomes, particularly for rural communities.
The Governor made the remarks while performing a symbolic presentation of a 3kg LPG cylinder to one of the beneficiaries, describing the programme as a practical demonstration of hope for the people.
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Eno said the initiative aligned with his administration’s people-centred development agenda and pledged the state’s continued collaboration with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to ensure that its benefits reach communities across Akwa Ibom.
The Governor also declared that Akwa Ibom was ready for business and strategically positioned to attract investments in the gas sector, urging investors to take advantage of the opportunities available in the state.
He stressed that gas should not be viewed merely as a commodity but as a major driver of employment, enterprise development and economic growth.
Eno further announced that his administration would, in October, empower 300 women in each of the 369 wards through women’s cooperatives. He said the beneficiaries had already undergone identification and profiling ahead of the programme.
The Minister’s delegation included the wife of the President of the Senate, Her Excellency, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio; his wife, Lady Esitmbom Ekperikpe Ekpo; Coordinating Director, Decade of Gas, Ed Ubong; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Mallam Rabiu Umar Abdullahi; and other representatives of Federal Government ministries and agencies.
Governor Eno was accompanied by Deputy Governor Senator Akon Eyakenyi, Secretary to the State Government Prince Enobong Uwah, Executive Assistant/Chief Delivery Advisor Mr Aniefiok Johnson, Dean of the College of Commissioners Hon. Frank Archibong and other members of the State Executive Council.
