‘Why Nigerians must switch to clean cooking stoves’

In a fresh move to tackle effects of air pollution on human health, stakeholders in environment sector have called for concerted efforts aimed at encouraging Nigerians switch to cleaner methods of cooking.

They spoke at forum organised by Nigerian Alliance for Clean Cookstoves (NACC), in partnership with International Centre for Energy Environment and Development, and Feinrich Boell Foundation in Abuja.

Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu,  noted that it would prevent health hazards and sufferings of millions of women and children.

The lawmaker said, “when this was done, it would save lives, empowers women, and improve livelihoods of the citizens.”

According to her, there are enormous challenges using firewood for cooking, and children in rural and urban areas deserves better life.

Jonas Bervoets of Food and Agriculture Oganisation (FAO), underscored the need for safe and environment friendly methods in promoting access to fuels and energy, and commended NACC for its commitment.

He added, there should be a coordinated and effective response to the needs of crisis-affected communities through Safe Access to Fuels and Energy (SAFE) .

On his part, Dr. Yerima Peter Tarfa, Director of Climate Change, explained that government is committed to promoting issue of cooking solution to help Nigeria meet its obligations in National Determined Contributions (NDCs).

He urged stakeholders to play their role by raising awareness that would make policy makers and private sector to contribute towards behavioural change.

National Coordinator of NACC, Ewah Eleri, acknowledged the efforts of development partners and the international community in moving the clean cooking industry forward.

“IDPs camp in Northeast is the major victims of smoke from open fire and they are vulnerable to terrorists’ attacks in the process of fetching woods for cooking in the bush.”

He added that instead of using firewood to cook, there is low cost gas; wood and kerosene stoves that would enhance clean energy, and 85 per cent households depend on charcoal and firewood.