Guardian

THE Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to launch its new clean energy programme, tagged ‘Eko Gas’ aimed at encouraging utilisation of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in the state.

Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Taofeeq Ajibade Tijani, who disclosed this, said the programme is expected to enlist about one million people as users of LPG, otherwise known as cooking gas, in the next five years.

Ajibade said Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, who has made commitment to create incentives for prospective consumers of gas, would officially launch the scheme on Tuesday, June 11.

According to him, about 20 per cent of the cost of cylinder would be written off by the government, in other to encourage Lagosians on the use of LPG.

The commissioner, who emphasised the efficiency of the product and integrity of the scheme, said the state government has sought approvals from the Department of Petroleum Resources and sealed arrangements with major stakeholders in the sector.

Ajibade bemoaned a situation whereby Nigeria is among the highest producer of LPG in Africa, but also the lowest consumer of the product

He said: “This is a very unique opportunity for Lagosians to switch from kerosene and firewood, which are not environmentally-friendly to a clean energy fuel.”

According to him, the products would be cheaper compared to kerosene.

On the availability of gas for refilling, he said the state government has made provisions for skid tanks, which would be located in strategic places across the state for consumers to easily refill their cylinders.

Besides, he said the cylinders could be refilled based on affordability of consumers.

“The fear of cylinder and fear of refilling has been taken care of, in such a way that it would be comfortable for consumers,” he said.

The Chairman, LPG group of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Omo’ ba Bambo Ademiluyi, said the partnership with registered companies with integrity, guarantees the quality of gas and the cylinders.

“Lagosians should feel free to use the products in their homes, while more awareness campaign would be initiated for efficiency of the scheme,” he said.