Kehinde Fajobi
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has reported that Nigerians spend an average of ₦10,239.7 per month on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking.
This finding was published in the “Nigeria Residential Energy Demand-Side Survey (NREDSS), 2024,” launched by Statistician General Adeyemi Adeniran in Abuja.
According to the report, 19.4 percent of households use LPG as their primary cooking source, equating to approximately one in every five households.
The survey also indicated that 41 percent of households purchase fuelwood, with 39 percent collecting it themselves, while only 18.9 percent obtain fuel through barter, gifts, or loans.
Notably, 55.3 percent of the collected fuelwood consists of branches, stems, and trees.
The findings revealed that 67.8 percent of households utilize fuelwood for various purposes, including domestic and agricultural.
Additionally, 22.0 percent of households reported using charcoal during the survey period, with 21.6 percent purchasing it.
Adeniran stated that the pilot survey, conducted across nine states, aimed to gather data on energy use in Nigeria. The report highlighted that over 58 percent of households are connected to the national grid, with 86.6 percent having electricity supply during the reference period.
He noted that 85.2 percent of connected households rely on an estimated billing system, while the average monthly expenditure on electricity is ₦4,155.8.
“This exercise is critical at a time when energy demand, usage, and pricing are significant topics in Nigeria,” Adeniran said. “The insights from this report provide valuable evidence for policymakers and the public, supporting discussions aimed at improving outcomes in the energy sector.”
Adeniran emphasised that access to reliable and affordable energy is a fundamental human right and essential for economic growth.
“Understanding the patterns and challenges within the residential sector is crucial for developing effective policies to meet the nation’s energy needs.”