Despite having the ability to reduce long-term household costs, improve respiratory health, and ease pressure on the healthcare system, a study has shown that lower-income households, larger families, and communities with limited infrastructure are less likely to adopt clean cooking solutions.
The research, conducted under the C2REST Nigeria Study, a three-year programme funded by the Medical Research Foundation, tasked the government and other stakeholders on the need for targeted and inclusive policies to ensure that no group is left behind.
It suggested to the government to subsidise clean energy costs, improve supply chains, expand access to clean fuels, and integrate clean cooking into national health and climate strategies, adding that collaboration among government, the private sector, and development partners will be essential to accelerate progress.
The research emphasised that with the right policy support, clean cooking could become one of the most cost-effective ways to tackle Nigeria’s interconnected climate, health, and economic challenges.
As Nigeria experiences rapid urbanisation and rising energy demand, millions of households still rely on firewood, charcoal, and kerosene for cooking. These fuels contribute to harmful indoor air pollution and increase the risk of respiratory and other health conditions.
The study, co-led by Professor Davies Adeloye of Teesside University, UK, showed that clean cooking should not be seen simply 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.
According to Professor Adeloye, clean cooking is one of the most practical and immediate ways to improve public health while supporting economic development, noting that the issue goes beyond environmental concerns, directly affecting household finances, disease burden, and national productivity.
Business Post reports that the research was carried out in Alimosho (Lagos State) and Ado-Odo/Ota (Ogun State), two areas that reflect the realities of modern Nigeria, with fast population growth, industrial activity, and mixed-income households. This makes the findings highly relevant for many urban and peri-urban communities across the country.
It brought together experts from the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Benin, and Kenya to examine the links between climate, environment, and health in rapidly growing urban communities.