By Our Reporter
A new international study is making a compelling case for why millions of Nigerian households should rethink how they cook. Beyond environmental benefits, the research reveals that switching to clean cooking energy can significantly reduce long-term costs, improve respiratory health, and ease pressure on the nation’s healthcare system.
The study, co-led by Davies Adeloye of Teesside University, forms part of the C2REST Nigeria Study, a three-year research programme funded by the Medical Research Foundation. It brings together experts from across the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Benin, and Kenya to explore the intersection of climate, environment, and public health in fast-growing urban communities.
At a time when Nigeria is grappling with rapid urbanisation and increasing energy demand, the findings highlight a persistent challenge: millions of households still depend on firewood, charcoal, and kerosene for cooking. These traditional fuels are major contributors to indoor air pollution, exposing families—especially women and children—to respiratory illnesses and other health risks.
To understand the real impact, the study focused on communities in Alimosho and Ado-Odo/Ota—areas that mirror Nigeria’s urban realities, with dense populations, industrial activity, and a mix of income levels. The results, researchers say, are highly applicable across many Nigerian cities and peri-urban communities.
But perhaps the most striking insight is economic. Clean cooking, the study argues, should not be viewed as an added cost but as a long-term investment. While options like gas and electricity may require higher upfront spending, households stand to save over time through fewer illnesses, reduced medical expenses, and improved productivity.
Professor Adeloye emphasized that clean cooking presents one of the fastest, most practical ways to improve public health while strengthening economic resilience. According to him, the issue goes beyond environmental sustainability—it directly impacts household finances, disease burden, and national productivity.
The research also sheds light on inequality gaps. Lower-income households, larger families, and communities with limited infrastructure are less likely to transition to clean energy, highlighting the need for inclusive and targeted interventions.
To bridge this gap, the study calls for stronger government action, including subsidies for clean energy, improved supply chains, and expanded access to cleaner fuels. It also recommends integrating clean cooking into national health and climate policies, with collaboration between government, private sector players, and development partners seen as critical to scaling impact.
With the right support, researchers believe clean cooking could become one of Nigeria’s most effective tools for tackling interconnected challenges—reducing emissions, improving air quality, and enhancing quality of life.
The findings also align with Nigeria’s broader climate commitments and energy transition agenda, positioning clean cooking as a practical, scalable solution for sustainable development.