Nigeria's households are set to benefit from a new study that reveals switching to clean cooking energy can reduce long-term household costs, improve respiratory health, and ease pressure on the healthcare system.
The study, conducted by the Medical Research Foundation and co-led by Davies Adeloye of Teesside University, United Kingdom, brings together experts from the UK, Nigeria, Benin, and Kenya to examine the links between climate, environment, and health in rapidly growing urban communities. The research, which was carried out in Alimosho (Lagos State) and Ado-Odo/Ota (Ogun State), highlights the need for targeted and inclusive policies to ensure that no group is left behind in adopting clean cooking solutions. Lower-income households, larger families, and communities with limited infrastructure are less likely to adopt clean cooking solutions, making it essential for the government to intervene.
The study suggests that clean cooking should not be seen as a household expense but as a long-term investment. Although cleaner energy sources such as gas and electricity may have higher upfront costs, households can save money over time through fewer illnesses, lower healthcare spending, and improved productivity. Experts say that clean cooking is one of the most practical and immediate ways to improve public health while supporting economic development.
The study calls for stronger government action, including subsidising clean energy costs, improving supply chains, expanding access to clean fuels, and integrating clean cooking into national health and climate strategies. Collaboration between the government, the private sector, and development partners will be essential to address the challenges associated with clean cooking.
The Nigerian government must now take concrete steps to implement the recommendations of this study, ensuring that all households have access to clean cooking energy. This will not only improve public health but also boost economic productivity and reduce the country's reliance on polluting fuels. With the rapid urbanisation and rising energy demand in Nigeria, it is imperative that the government prioritises clean cooking solutions to mitigate the negative impacts on public health and the environment.
