Legal and Regulatory Framework for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Distribution in Kano State: A Professional Assessment

This study provides a professional assessment of the legal and regulatory framework governing LPG distribution in Kano State, North West Nigeria, examining the extent to which current regulations support safe distribution, fair pricing, and the expansion of LPG as a cleaner cooking fuel alternative. LPG adoption in northern Nigeria has been identified as a key strategy for reducing indoor air pollution and curbing deforestation linked to firewood use. Using a professional regulatory analysis approach, the research reviews NMDPRA LPG licensing conditions, Kano State environmental health standards, and price regulation circulars from 2021 to 2024. Structured interviews are conducted with twelve LPG retailers and four NMDPRA field officers in Kano metropolitan areas. Findings reveal fragmented regulatory oversight, safety standard non-compliance among small-scale retailers, and significant consumer price markups above regulated levels. The study recommends a dedicated NMDPRA LPG regulatory unit for northern Nigeria and a public consumer awareness campaign on LPG safety standards. Keywords: LPG, distribution regulation, Kano State, NMDPRA, cooking fuel.