Firm distributes 24 million clean cookstoves
Despite the inherent challenges, millions of households in Nigeria are still depending on the native firewood cooking method, thereby exposing themselves to health and environmental risks.
 
Executive Vice Chairman of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, raised the concern, where he decried the devastating implications, especially to children and women of low-income homes.
 
Halilu said that despite technological advancements, many families still rely on traditional cooking methods that are not only time-consuming but also harmful due to smoke inhalation.
 
The NASENI boss spoke in Kano during the launch of the agency’s Sustainable Empowerment Programme, which targets improved access to clean and reliable energy solutions to 2,000 households.
 
“Many families still depend on firewood. It takes time, effort and money, and it affects health, especially for women and children who are exposed to smoke every day,” he said.
 
Halilu explained that the programme was designed to address these challenges by providing clean cookstoves and solar home systems to households, particularly in rural and semi-urban communities.
 
He stated that the initiative is part of NASENI’s Zero Carbon (ZeCo) Project aimed at reducing carbon emissions, promoting cleaner energy, and improving the quality of life for Nigerians.

The event saw over 2,000 beneficiaries receive clean cookstoves, solar power systems and other tools to support their daily energy needs and small-scale businesses.
 
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to translating economic policies into tangible benefits for citizens.
 
She said the programme aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, particularly in the areas of industrialisation, job creation and inclusive economic growth.

SIMILARY, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Climate Change, Titilayo Oshodi, has disclosed that 950 million Africans lack access to clean cooking, adding that over 180 million Nigerians are counted.

Speaking during a roadmap presentation, manufacturing agreement signing, and unveiling of strategic partners on 24 million clean cookstoves in Lagos yesterday, she observed that women bear the greatest burden.

To her, this dependence is not only inefficient but also contributes to indoor air pollution, deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and lost productive time for households.

Oshodi added that ‘clean cooking adoption is not just a technical rollout, but a social diffusion process’, adding: “When communities see real, tangible improvements in health, cost, and convenience, adoption becomes organic.”

In his remarks, President & Group Chief Executive Officer, Greenplinth Africa, Olawale Akinwumi, disclosed: “Today, we will be signing a manufacturing agreement with Allgreen Energy NV for the first 24 Million Clean Cookstoves.

“We are also pleased to announce that Allgreen Energy NV and its partners will be supporting the 80M Clean Cookstoves Project in Nigeria with an investment of $10 billion within the next 18 months.”

Speaking further, he added that the provision of free clean cookstoves (and free briquettes as fuel) is to transform the lives of millions of Nigerians, particularly women and children, who are disproportionately affected by the harmful effects of traditional cooking practices.