A recent report from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals that Nigerians in nine states have collectively spent N312.27 billion on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly referred to as cooking gas.

The findings, part of the 2024 Nigeria Residential Energy Demand-Side Survey, illustrate shifting energy consumption trends across the country, highlighting a growing dependence on LPG, fuelwood, charcoal, and other energy sources for cooking and heating.

The survey analyzed energy usage among 7,706 households in nine states, providing valuable insights into the consumption of LPG, fuelwood, electricity, and more.

The states surveyed include Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Ekiti, Enugu, Kano, Kwara, Oyo, Plateau, and Sokoto, ensuring a comprehensive representation across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Data collection took place over 17 days, from April 19 to May 5, 2024, employing systematic sampling methods. The results reflect energy consumption and spending over the 30 days leading up to the survey.

The report indicates that 19.4% of households utilized LPG in the past month, with an average expenditure of N10,239.7 on gas. Sokoto State had the highest average monthly expenditure at N12,439.3, followed by Enugu at N11,852.2, while Ekiti recorded the lowest at N8,213.5.

Despite the increasing adoption of LPG, traditional fuels continue to dominate. Fuelwood was used by 67.8% of households for various domestic, agricultural, and commercial purposes, especially in states like Bauchi and Sokoto. The survey estimates annual spending on fuelwood at N608.72 billion, with an average household cost of N117,347.

Charcoal usage remains significant, with 22% of households relying on it primarily for cooking, though only 0.3% are involved in its production, mostly in Kwara and Ekiti.

In terms of electricity access, 58.2% of households are connected to the national grid, with Ekiti leading at 79.7% access. However, 85.2% of these households are subject to estimated billing, while just 14.8% utilize pre-paid meters.

Solar power is gaining traction, with 4.8% of households reporting access to solar home systems or mini-grids. Additionally, 4.8% rely on diesel or petrol generators, with an average monthly fuel purchase of 7.38 litres.

During a press briefing on Wednesday, Statistician General Prince Adeyemi Adeniran officially launched the 2024 Nigeria Residential Energy Demand-Side Survey. He emphasized the critical importance of reliable and affordable energy for economic development and the need for insights to guide policymakers in addressing the rising demand and accessibility challenges.