In keeping with its Renewed Hope Agenda to improve citizens’ well-being, the Federal Government has urged all Nigerians to adopt clean cooking technologies to help minimise the harmful effects of climate change caused using firewood and charcoal for cooking.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), household air pollution from cooking with solid fuels is a leading cause of respiratory diseases, particularly among women and children.
Traditional open-fire cooking is a silent killer, causing over 77,000 deaths in Nigeria annually through lung and heart diseases. This orthodox cooking method also causes vision impairment and low birth weight and puts people at a higher risk of gender-based violence, snake bites, and other physical injuries.
It is worth noting that this problem is a major driver of deforestation in the country, accounting for the loss of almost 400,000 hectares of forest per year. Residential cooking produces around 55 million metric tonnes of CO2 and 700,000 metric tonnes of hazardous fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions. This amount accounts for a considerable share of Nigeria’s overall greenhouse gas emissions.
“Clean cooking is, therefore, a crucial component of our efforts to address environmental challenges, improve public health, and enhance the well-being of our communities,” Balarabe Lawal, Nigeria’s environment minister, said.
The minister, who made the call on Wednesday, July 18, 2024, at the National Clean Cooking Fair in Abuja, stated that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved the implementation of the National Clean Cooking Policy (NCCP), which was launched during the 17th Session of the National Council on Environment.
He revealed that the Ministry, in collaboration with the Nigeria Clean Cooking Alliance, is working tirelessly to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with the country’s commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to become a net-zero economy by 2060.
Lawal added that his establishment is ready and willing to work with local artisans and entrepreneurs to manufacture and distribute subsidised clean cooking stoves, thereby creating jobs and stimulating local economies.
According to him, a committee has been set up to provide a comprehensive roadmap for the implementation and achievement of the NCCP. There is, therefore, a need for all stakeholders to indulge in awareness campaigns with a view to sensitising citizens about the health and environmental advantages of switching to cleaner cooking technologies.
The environment chieftain appreciated the European Union (EU) for its partnership, particularly its unwavering support, which provides a platform for stakeholders to showcase practicable solutions and harness the various opportunities in the clean cooking industry. Through collaboration, the exchange of knowledge, and fostering partnerships, “we can drive meaningful change and create a pathway towards a cleaner and more sustainable future for Nigeria.”
Together, let us harness the power of collaboration, innovation, and determination to drive positive change and create a more sustainable and resilient Nigeria, he appealed.
In the same vein, Minister of State for the Environment, Dr. Iziaq Salako, tasked all stakeholders with examining how to ensure that clean cooking technologies are available, accessible, and affordable to all Nigerians.
So he expressed his delight at the event, which was organised to kick off activities related to the implementation of the NCCP and to educate the public on the importance of promoting sustainable and clean cooking practices, because clean cooking is more than just a convenience; it is a public health concern, a fundamental human right, and an essential component of sustainable development.
He went on to say that the event highlights the governments and other key stakeholders’ shared commitment to sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and improving the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.
“By transitioning to cleaner and more efficient cooking technologies, we can improve air quality, protect public health, and mitigate the impacts of climate change in our communities,” he said.
On Monday, March 25, 2024, the FEC approved the implementation of the NCCP. The policy’s ultimate purpose is to help Nigeria achieve universal access to clean cooking energy for homes and institutions by 2030. It also aims to help the country improve health, create jobs, establish livelihoods, protect the environment, and help families, institutions, and businesses save time and money by promoting clean cooking solutions.
By Etta Michael Bisong, Abuja
