By Israel Bulus, Kaduna
In a renewed push for environmental sustainability and public health, the Federal Ministry of Environment has rolled out a nationwide Clean Cooking Awareness Campaign aimed at curbing the adverse effects of unsafe cooking practices in Nigerian households.
The campaign, which includes the distribution of clean cooking stoves in states like Ebonyi and Kebbi, forms part of the Federal Government’s broader climate action and development agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope initiative.
The initiative, which leverages locally developed technology, seeks to replace traditional cooking methods with safer and more efficient alternatives that reduce indoor air pollution and environmental degradation.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe, who represented the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, said the campaign is rooted in community participation and inclusivity.
“We are engaging community leaders, women’s groups, youth associations, and persons with disabilities to ensure this initiative meets the real needs of Nigerians,” she said.
The Ministry is also pushing the domestication of Nigeria’s Clean Cooking Policy, with a focus on building local capacity. This includes training producers and distributors in technical skills and business management to support a growing clean energy economy.
Officials say the project is not only a public health intervention but also a step toward achieving Nigeria’s climate goals and sustainable development targets.
“This campaign is a strategic move to empower communities, reduce carbon emissions, and create green jobs,” Abiola-Awe added.
The Ministry described the initiative as a “holistic approach” to tackling climate change, protecting public health, and supporting economic empowerment at the grassroots level.
