The Federal Governmentnt has expressed its readiness to collaborate with West African countries to boost the adoption of liquefied petroleum gas across the region.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, made this known on Monday at the 6th West Africa LPG Expo, themed “LPG as Clean Fuel for Energy Transition in West Africa.”
Represented by Abel Igheghe, his technical adviser on downstream, Ekpo emphasized the importance of a unified regional approach to LPG adoption, noting that the energy transition is a collective journey.
“It requires regional collaboration, knowledge sharing, and strategic partnership. West African nations must align their policies to create a harmonized LPG market that ensures affordability and accessibility across borders,” Ekpo said.
“Nigeria stands ready to work with regional partners, development agencies, and private sector players to scale up LPG adoption in West Africa. By leveraging our gas resources and expertise, we can foster a future where LPG is at the forefront of energy security and climate action in our region,” he added.
Ekpo emphasised Nigeria’s continuous investments in LPG infrastructure, such as the LPG penetration program and increased private sector participation.
He stated that these actions had increased domestic output, decreased reliance on imports, and led to price stability.
The minister also acknowledged the need for continuous investment in LPG infrastructure across West Africa.
“Governments and private entities must work collaboratively to establish efficient supply chains, improve safety standards, and create an enabling environment that attracts investment in the LPG sector,” he said.
“To accelerate LPG adoption, we are implementing targeted policy interventions, including removing bottlenecks that hinder investment in the sector,” he stressed.
Ekpo outlined various government measures aimed at promoting LPG adoption, including:
Exemptions from taxes on LPG equipment and imports, streamlined the cylinder and accessory importation procedures, and a Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) pricing structure to guarantee price stability.
The LPG industry is also collaborating with the Presidential Compressed Natural Gas Initiative (PCNGi) to increase the availability of renewable energy options.
“By supporting both LPG and CNG adoption, we are strengthening our energy security while reducing dependence on expensive and polluting fuels,” says Ekpo.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a sustainable energy transition, stating that regional cooperation and concerted efforts are critical for achieving a cleaner, greener, and more affluent future for West Africa.
