NMDPRA Gas Distribution Licenses Key to Achieving ‘Gas for All Homes’ Agenda – Ugochinyere

Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), has expressed that the issuance of gas distribution licenses by the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) will play a crucial role in realizing the ‘Gas for All Homes’ initiative.

Last week, NMDPRA awarded gas distribution licenses to 10 companies after reviewing 30 applications. The licenses will cover 1.5 billion standard cubic feet per day and span over 1,200 kilometers of gas pipeline networks across the country.

At the Gas Distribution License (GDL) Award ceremony in Abuja, NMDPRA’s Chief Executive, Engr. Farouk Ahmed, highlighted the significance of these licenses in boosting the country’s gas distribution capacity.

In response, Ugochinyere praised the move, stating that the issuance of the licenses represents a significant step in addressing Nigeria’s energy challenges and moving towards the government’s ‘Gas for All Homes’ agenda. This initiative aims to distribute free gas cylinders to one million homes across Nigeria, with a focus on promoting clean cooking alternatives.

“The ‘Gas for All Homes’ agenda is crucial for reducing reliance on harmful cooking fuels such as firewood and traditional stoves, and encouraging clean cooking energy. The goal is to convert 250,000 homes to clean cooking gas annually by 2030,” Ugochinyere said.

While commending the initiative, Ugochinyere emphasized the need for strict oversight to ensure that the benefits of the program reach the Nigerian people, rather than serving as a form of patronage for the companies receiving the licenses.