Minister calls for regional policy alignment to harmonise LPG market in West Africa
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Mr Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), has called on West African nations to align their policies and work towards creating a harmonised Liquefied Petroleum Gas market that ensures affordability and accessibility across borders.
Speaking at the ongoing 6th West African LPG Expo in Lagos on Monday, Ekpo emphasised that regional cooperation was vital to accelerating the adoption of LPG and achieving energy security in the region.
The Expo, themed “LPG as Clean Fuel for Energy Transition in West Africa,” brought together key stakeholders in the energy sector to discuss sustainable energy solutions for the region.
Ekpo, represented by Mr Abel Igheghe, Technical Adviser (Downstream) to the Minister, expressed the government’s commitment to collaborating with regional partners, development agencies and private sector players to scale up LPG adoption across West Africa.
“We must leverage our gas resources and expertise to foster a future where LPG leads the way in energy security and climate action in the region.
“The choices we make today will determine how quickly we transition to cleaner energy solutions that protect the environment, improve public health, and drive economic growth,” he said.
The minister noted that LPG is not just a fuel but a catalyst for sustainable development.
“LPG represents a pivotal opportunity for us to shift towards cleaner, more efficient energy systems that benefit both people and the planet,” he said.
The minister urged stakeholders to explore new opportunities over the next two days of the Expo.
He acknowledged the need for continued investment in LPG infrastructure across West Africa, stressing that governments and private entities must work together to establish efficient supply chains, improve safety standards and create an enabling environment for investment in the LPG sector.
To accelerate LPG adoption, Ekpo highlighted ongoing policy interventions, including tax waivers on LPG imports and equipment.
According to him, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) is working on developing a pricing framework for LPG to ensure price stability and possibly reduce costs for consumers.
“The Presidential Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Initiative is working in synergy with the LPG sector to provide a broader spectrum of clean energy alternatives.
“Together, these efforts are strengthening our energy security and reducing reliance on expensive and polluting fuels,” he added.
He emphasised that energy transition is a regional challenge that requires collaboration and knowledge sharing.
“No country can undertake this journey alone. It requires strategic partnerships, regional cooperation and joint efforts to ensure that the benefits of clean energy are accessible to all.
The minister also recognised the importance of the ongoing dialogue at the Expo, calling it a critical platform for advancing conversations on energy transition and the growing role of LPG in West Africa’s path toward a cleaner and more sustainable future.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the organizers for bringing together public leaders, investors and stakeholders committed to shaping West Africa’s energy landscape.
“As we gather here today, it is important to recognise the global push toward clean energy and the crucial role that LPG plays in this transition,” Ekpo said.
He said that across West Africa, millions of households and businesses still rely on biomass and traditional fuels, which degrade the environment and pose significant health risks.
Ekpo stressed that LPG, with its lower carbon footprint, is a viable and scalable alternative that can help mitigate these issues.
He said that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian government has made significant strides in advancing LPG adoption as a key component of the country’s energy strategy.
Ekpo highlighted the “Decade of Gas” initiative, which aims to increase the adoption of gas for domestic, commercial and industrial use.
The minister also mentioned key initiatives such as the National LPG Penetration Programme and private sector investment, which have contributed to expanding LPG infrastructure and reducing reliance on imports.
“In the past two years, we’ve seen a 20% increase in LPG storage and distribution infrastructure.
“These efforts are crucial to ensuring price stability and improving access to clean energy for all,” Ekpo revealed.
As the region moves forward, Ekpo reiterated that the transition to LPG as a clean energy source must be supported by robust infrastructure.
He expressed confidence that through strategic policies, partnerships and continued investment, West Africa can build a sustainable, accessible and affordable LPG market that benefits everyone.
In his remarks, Mr Abiodun Ogunleye, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Lagos State, said that the state drives LPG adoption and gas-based energy solutions for a cleaner future.
Ogunleye, represented by Mrs Abiola Kosegbe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, said government has outlined the state’s ambitious roadmap for expanding the adoption of LPG, promoting autogas for transportation and developing gas-to-power projects for cleaner electricity generation.
Ogunleye stressed the urgent need for increased LPG penetration in Nigeria, which remains below its potential.
“Statistics reveal a stark reality: less than 25% of Nigerians have access to clean cooking, leaving over 75% reliant on solid fuels like firewood and charcoal.
“This not only contributes to deforestation but also worsens indoor air pollution,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria’s per capita LPG consumption is just 2 kg, far below the African average of 4 to 6 kg per capita, pointing out that household air pollution from inefficient cooking fuels was responsible for over 78,000 deaths annually in the country.
“The case for LPG adoption is urgent and compelling, and Lagos is leading the way in pioneering clean energy solutions through LPG,” Ogunleye added.
“As Nigeria’s most industrialized state and commercial hub, Lagos accounts for over 40% of the nation’s energy consumption, powering the needs of over 26 million residents,” he stated.
Ogunleye explained that the state government has made gas a cornerstone of its energy transition strategy, aiming to reduce environmental impacts while ensuring reliable and sustainable energy for its population.
He said that among the key initiatives driving LPG adoption in Lagos is the state’s gas policy, which serves as a blueprint for the utilisation of gas across various sectors.
Ogunleye highlighted the state’s commitment to supporting investments in LPG storage, distribution and bottling plants to enhance supply chain efficiency.
The commissioner said that one significant player in this effort is the Ibile Oil & Gas Corporation (IOGC), Lagos State’s strategic agency for oil and gas development.
“Through IOGC, Lagos is expanding LPG infrastructure, fostering public-private partnerships, and driving autogas adoption.
“IOGC is crucial in ensuring that LPG is accessible and affordable to households, businesses, and industries,” he added.
He said that the IOGC has also been instrumental in converting public transport buses and government vehicles to compressed natural gas (CNG), encouraging the use of cleaner fuels to reduce vehicle emissions and fuel costs.
“This aligns with Lagos’ vision for a cleaner environment and a more sustainable urban transport system.
“Additionally, the Eco-Gas Initiative has played a pivotal role in expanding LPG access to households, with Lagos now accounting for 60% of Nigeria’s domestic LPG consumption,” he explained.
Ogunleye noted that the state’s strategy focuses on expanding gas infrastructure, improving affordability and ensuring that more households and businesses switch to cleaner cooking and heating solutions.
He said Lagos is also making strides in the power sector through gas-to-power projects that will enhance energy security and reduce reliance on diesel generators.
According to him, the state is investing in gas-fired plants, leveraging its strategic location to provide reliable, affordable, and environmentally-friendly electricity.
“By integrating LPG and CNG into the power sector, Lagos aims to boost energy security and contribute to a more sustainable energy future,” he explained.
Ogunleye also announced that Lagos has recently advertised an expression of interest for investors in its gas-to-power projects, inviting participation from interested parties to further advance the state’s clean energy agenda.
“With these initiatives, Lagos State is setting an example for the rest of Nigeria and the West African region, leading the charge in cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions through LPG adoption, autogas promotion, and gas-based power generation.
The expo recorded about 200 participants and 70 exhibitors across the West African countries.
