By Seun Ibiyemi
A new international study has revealed that adopting clean cooking energy in Nigeria could significantly reduce long-term household expenses, improve respiratory health, and ease pressure on the nation’s healthcare system.
The research, co-led by Davies Adeloye of Teesside University, was conducted under the C2REST Nigeria Study, a three-year initiative funded by the Medical Research Foundation.
The study brought together experts from the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Benin, and Kenya to explore the connections between climate, environment, and health in rapidly expanding urban communities.
The findings come at a critical time as Nigeria faces rapid urbanisation and rising energy demand. Despite this growth, millions of households still depend on firewood, charcoal, and kerosene for cooking—fuels known to generate harmful indoor air pollution and increase the risk of respiratory diseases.
Researchers carried out the study in Alimosho and Ado-Odo/Ota, areas that reflect the realities of modern Nigeria with fast-growing populations, industrial activity, and diverse income levels.
The study notes that these characteristics make the findings applicable to many urban and peri-urban communities nationwide.
According to the report, clean cooking solutions—such as gas and electricityshould be viewed not merely as household expenses but as long-term investments.
While initial costs may be higher, families stand to save money over time through reduced illness, lower medical bills, and improved productivity.
Professor Adeloye stressed that clean cooking offers one of the most immediate and practical ways to improve public health while supporting economic growth.
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He added that the issue extends beyond environmental concerns, directly impacting household finances, disease burden, and national productivity.
However, the study highlights persistent inequalities. Lower-income households, larger families, and communities with limited infrastructure are less likely to adopt cleaner energy solutions. This underscores the need for inclusive policies to ensure equitable access.
To address these challenges, researchers called for stronger government intervention, including subsidies for clean energy, improved supply chains, expanded access to clean fuels, and the integration of clean cooking into national health and climate strategies. They also emphasised the importance of collaboration between government, private sector stakeholders, and development partners.
The findings align with Nigeria’s climate commitments and energy transition plans, offering a scalable pathway to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance household welfare.
