FG targets 5 million homes for switch from firewood, kerosene to cooking gas under Decade of Gas plan
By Aboki Forex —
The Federal Government has announced plans to move about five million Nigerian households away from firewood, kerosene and other traditional cooking fuels to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG). The initiative is part of the government's broader Decade of Gas strategy to reduce carbon emissions, improve public health and maximise the country's abundant natural gas resources.
Natural gas is Nigeria's transition fuel, says minister
Speaking at the 2026 Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference and Exhibition, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, said natural gas remains Nigeria's most practical pathway for achieving economic growth while supporting global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. He stressed that although the country supports the global energy transition, its approach must reflect its unique resource endowment.
According to the minister, Nigeria possesses one of Africa's largest proven natural gas reserves, making gas the country's preferred transition fuel for powering industries, generating electricity, boosting transportation and providing cleaner household energy. Ekpo explained that the federal government's gas development agenda extends beyond domestic cooking, noting that natural gas has become a key pillar for industrialisation, fertiliser production, power generation and manufacturing.
PIA reforms and gas infrastructure push
The minister pointed to incentives introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which are designed to encourage greater investment in gas infrastructure and unlock the sector's economic potential. He said the creation of a dedicated Ministry of State for Gas demonstrates the government's resolve to accelerate investments and deepen gas utilisation nationwide.
Ekpo noted that gas, once regarded as a by-product of oil production, is now recognised globally as an important cleaner-burning fuel capable of supporting lower-carbon economic development. He stated: “Under the Decade of Gas Initiative, we have identified key projects that will bring gas closer to Nigerians. We are targeting about five million homes to switch from firewood, kerosene and biomass to LPG. This will improve household health while reducing carbon emissions. We are driving this because Nigeria has enormous gas reserves.”
He added that the government is deliberately deploying technologies and policies to reduce emissions by increasing gas adoption. As part of the ongoing Decade of Gas Initiative, Ekpo said several strategic projects are being implemented to expand gas distribution across the country. The programme seeks to make LPG more accessible and affordable for millions of Nigerians while reducing dependence on firewood and other biomass fuels that contribute to deforestation and indoor air pollution.
What this means for consumers and the naira
For Nigerian households, a successful shift to LPG could reduce health risks from indoor air pollution and cut spending on kerosene and firewood. However, affordability remains a key hurdle. In a related development, the Dangote Refinery recently cut cooking gas prices, and experts suggest prices may drop further to N900 per kg by year-end, offering hope of relief from financial pressures. Broader gas adoption could also reduce the burden of fuel imports on the naira, as Nigeria leverages its domestic gas reserves to displace imported kerosene and biomass alternatives.