By Solomon OKPO | Uyo
The Federal Government has taken its National Grassroots Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Penetration Programme to Akwa Ibom State, with 3,000 women receiving N100,000 each as part of efforts to promote clean cooking, expand domestic gas utilisation and strengthen livelihoods.
The programme, activated in Uyo on Thursday, August 20, 2026, is being implemented under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and forms part of the Federal Government’s Decade of Gas Programme.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of State for Gas, Obong Emem Ekperikpe Ekpo, said the initiative was designed to accelerate the transition of Nigerian households from traditional cooking fuels such as firewood, charcoal and kerosene to LPG, which he described as a cleaner, safer and more efficient alternative.
According to the Minister, the Federal Government is targeting all 36 states under the programme, with an ambition to reach one million households annually and five million homes by 2030.
He explained that the N100,000 support being provided to each of the 3,000 women in Akwa Ibom was intended to strengthen their businesses, improve household incomes and enhance their capacity to contribute to the economic wellbeing of their families.
Ekperikpe Ekpo described the Uyo activation as a landmark occasion and the second national LPG penetration activation, following the inaugural programme held in Bayelsa State on July 28, 2026.
He called on stakeholders, development partners, financial institutions, civil society organisations and the media to take ownership of the initiative and help ensure that the benefits of the programme reach communities across the country.
In his remarks, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for bringing the initiative to the state, describing it as a practical intervention capable of improving livelihoods, protecting the environment and promoting better health outcomes, especially among rural households.
Governor Eno said the programme was a demonstration of hope for the people and was consistent with his administration’s people-centred development agenda.
The Governor also welcomed Dr Unoma Akpabio, the wife of the President of the Senate, alongside the Minister of State for Gas, his wife and other dignitaries at the event.
He declared that Akwa Ibom was “ready for business” and strategically positioned to attract investments in the gas sector, urging investors to explore the opportunities available in the state.
According to him, gas should not be viewed merely as a commodity but as a major catalyst for job creation, enterprise development and sustainable economic growth.
Governor Eno further disclosed that his administration would, in October, empower 300 women in each of the 369 wards across the state through women’s cooperatives.
He said beneficiaries of the proposed state empowerment programme had already been identified and profiled in preparation for the initiative.
The Governor pledged the continued cooperation of his administration with the Federal Government and relevant agencies to ensure that the benefits of the national gas programme penetrate the grassroots and translate into tangible improvements in the lives of the people.
The Uyo activation therefore marked another significant step in the Federal Government’s efforts to deepen LPG adoption, advance clean cooking, reduce dependence on traditional fuels and unlock the economic potential of Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for the benefit of households and communities
