Clean Cooking: A breath of fresh air and financial relief for Nigeria

A groundbreaking international study has revealed that transitioning to clean cooking energy in Nigeria offers a dual benefit: significantly reducing long-term household expenses and dramatically improving public health.

This timely research underscores the urgent need for policy interventions as Nigeria grapples with rapid urbanization and escalating energy demands.

The study, co-led by Dr. Davies Adeloye of Teesside University, United Kingdom, is a key component of the C2REST Nigeria Study, a three-year initiative funded by the Medical Research Foundation.

This collaborative effort brings together experts from the UK, Nigeria, Benin, and Kenya to investigate the intricate connections between climate, environment, and health within burgeoning urban communities.

Currently, millions of Nigerian households remain dependent on traditional cooking fuels such as firewood, charcoal, and kerosene.

These conventional methods are major contributors to hazardous indoor air pollution, which in turn exacerbates respiratory illnesses and other severe health conditions.
The C2REST Nigeria Study’s findings emerge at a critical juncture, highlighting a pathway to mitigate these pervasive issues. Fieldwork for the study was conducted in Alimosho (Lagos State) and Ado-Odo/Ota (Ogun State).

These locations were chosen for their representation of modern Nigeria’s complexities, characterized by rapid population growth, industrial activity, and diverse socio-economic households.

This strategic selection ensures the study’s relevance and applicability to numerous urban and peri-urban areas across the nation.
A pivotal insight from the research is the redefinition of clean cooking solutions not merely as an expenditure, but as a strategic long-term investment.

While cleaner energy alternatives like gas and electricity may entail higher initial costs, the study demonstrates that households can achieve substantial savings over time.

These savings stem from a reduction in illness, lower healthcare expenditures, and enhanced productivity due to improved health outcomes.
Professor Adeloye emphasized the transformative potential of clean cooking, stating, “Clean cooking is one of the most practical and immediate ways to improve public health while supporting economic development.”

He further elaborated that the issue extends beyond environmental concerns, directly impacting household finances, the national disease burden, and overall productivity.

The study also brought to light significant disparities in the adoption of clean cooking solutions.
Lower-income households, larger families, and communities with underdeveloped infrastructure are less likely to transition to cleaner energy.

This disparity underscores the necessity for targeted, inclusive policies that ensure equitable access and prevent any segment of the population from being left behind. In response to these challenges, the study advocates for robust government action.

Key recommendations include: subsidizing the costs of clean energy, enhancing supply chains, expanding access to clean fuels, and integrating clean cooking initiatives into national health and climate strategies.
The report stresses that a concerted effort involving government, the private sector, and development partners will be indispensable for accelerating progress.

With appropriate policy support, clean cooking is poised to become one of Nigeria’s most cost-effective strategies for addressing its interconnected climate, health, and economic challenges.

The study’s conclusions are in harmony with Nigeria’s existing climate commitments and energy transition plans, offering a practical and scalable solution to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and significantly enhance household welfare.