Sokoto State Governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to environmental sustainability and energy development as the state hosted the official flag-off of the North West Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Penetration Programme.
The LPG cylinder distribution, led by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Dr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, is in line with the Federal Government’s strategy to reduce environmental hazards through the use of LPG gas across Nigeria.
Speaking at the launch event in Sokoto on Thursday, the Governor stressed the significance of the initiative, which includes the distribution of gas cylinders to women and youth to encourage the adoption of LPG as a cleaner and safer alternative to firewood and other biomass fuels.
He emphasized that Sokoto’s location in the Sahelian belt made it particularly vulnerable to desertification and land degradation.
“These environmental challenges, if left unchecked, pose serious threats to our agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of our people,” Governor Aliyu stated.
He noted that the state government has already implemented a number of measures to combat environmental degradation, including the annual planting of tree seedlings across the 23 local government areas.
“The LPG initiative will not only empower women and youth, but also improve health outcomes and advance climate resilience,” he added, however, stressed the need for LPG to be made affordable and accessible, especially in rural and underserved communities, urging stakeholders to ensure consistent supply and fair pricing.
Beyond LPG, Aliyu pushes for oil exploration within Sokoto Basin
Governor Aliyu also used the occasion to applaud the Federal Government’s renewed interest in oil exploration within the Sokoto Basin, specifically the Kalmalo area in Illela Local Government. He called for accelerated action from the exploration firm to realize the basin’s potential contribution to national oil output.
“Research has over the years shown that there is a large deposit of oil in the Sokoto Basin which, if well harnessed, could improve the nation’s revenue,” he said.
Governor Aliyu reaffirmed Sokoto State’s readiness to fully support and partner with the Federal Government in advancing clean energy and sustainable development goals.
