Nigeria, July 29 -- The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said that it is not okay for Nigerians to use firewood for cooking when the country is blessed with abundant gas resources.

Mr Ekpo spoke on Tuesday in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, at the launch of a federal initiative to expand nationwide access to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas.

"At the heart of this programme lies a simple but powerful conviction: that the promise of Nigeria's abundant natural gas must translate into dignity, safety, and improved wellbeing for our people," Mr Ekpo said.

"No mother should be compelled to choose between feeding her family and protecting her health. No child should inhale harmful smoke ...