*The Lagos Chamber of the Commerce and Industry says consumer sensitisation scheme 9n gas use is in line with its mandate to promote conducive business environment, and UN SGD 7 on access to reliable, sustainable and modern energy

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In enhancing improved utilisation among consumers, the Lagos Chamber of the Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has commenced the second phase awareness programme on the benefits of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) across five locations in Lagos.

ConsumerConnect gathered the sensitisation programme is scheduled to hold for five Fridays in Ikorodu, Agboyi Ketu, Igando Ikotun, Agbado Oke-Odo and Lagos Island zones of Lagos State.

The LCCI Liquefied Petroleum Gas Group and Community Development Committee (CDC) organised the consumer education and sensitisation forum tagged: #EkoforGas Friday, May 27, 2022, in Lagos.

The pilot scheme, which took off at the Sabo Market, in Ikorodu Zone, saw the distribution of 15 cylinders and industrial burners to participants.

Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole, President of LCCI, said the programme was designed to intensify awareness on the benefits of using LPG as alternatives to biomass (charcoal, firewood) and kerosene, agency report said.

Olawale-Cole recalled that in 2013, the LCCI alongside the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, organised the first phase of Eko Gas scheme, which involved the distribution of 20,000 units of 3kg and 6kg filled LPG cylinders to consumers across the cosmopolitan state in Nigeria.

The measure, the LCCI President noted, was in line with the Chamber’s mandate to promote conducive business environment, and with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals 7 on access to reliable, sustainable and modern energy.

Usage of biomass and other dirty fuels has led to harmful, destructive outcomes and diseases, such as pneumonia, tuberculosis, breathing problems, lung cancer, and asthma, among others.

Olawale-Cole also said: “Continuous use of dirty fuels could lead to premature deaths, increased childhood and adult illnesses and strain on the healthcare system.

“The smoke and pollution released when we burn kerosene is also damaging to the environment.

“Burning biomass and kerosene release greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) which cause climate change; these existential problems to the entire human race is the rationale for adoption of cleaner energy like LPG.”

He further observed that despite the advantages of LPG over other energy options, transition remains very low in Nigeria in general and Lagos State, in particular.

According to LCCI President, this reality informed the need for sensitisation programme, as contribution to the transition process which is critical to eliminate attitudinal barriers and socioeconomic misgivings about LPG.

He stated: “Though all energy sources will release carbon dioxide, when compared to oil, LPG only releases 81 percent of the carbon dioxide that oil does and compared to coal, LPG only releases 70 percent of the carbon dioxide.”

Speaking at the forum, Alhaja Taofikat Allison, Iya Oloja, Ayangburen, Ikorodu market, lauded the initiative and urged the beneficiaries on its proper usage to encourage more initiatives like this in a follow up scheme.

Alhaji Amusat Azeez, State Chairman of CDC, re-emphasised the dangers of using coal, firewood and kerosene stove on overall health and the environment.

Azeez encouraged women to begin to transition to better cooking sources such as gas due to its more economical, healthier and faster benefits, report said.

Mrs. Ramota Ogayemi, a beneficiary, also lauded the efforts of the chamber and pledged to not only put the gas to good use but spread the word around on the need to move to cleaner, alternative energy sources.