Abayomi Susan
A new international study has revealed that transitioning to clean cooking energy in Nigeria can significantly lower long-term household expenses, improve respiratory health, and reduce strain on the nation’s healthcare system.
The research, co-led by Davies Adeloye of Teesside University, was conducted under the C2REST Nigeria Study, a three-year initiative funded by the Medical Research Foundation. The study brings together experts from the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Benin, and Kenya to explore the intersection of climate, environment, and public health in rapidly urbanising communities.
The findings come at a critical juncture as Nigeria continues to experience rapid urban growth and increasing energy demand. Despite this, a large proportion of households still depend on firewood, charcoal, and kerosene for cooking—fuels associated with harmful indoor air pollution and elevated risks of respiratory and other health conditions.
Fieldwork for the study was conducted in Alimosho and Ado-Odo/Ota, areas that typify the dynamics of modern Nigeria, including rapid population expansion, industrialisation, and diverse income levels. As such, the findings are broadly applicable to urban and peri-urban communities nationwide.
Notably, the study underscores that clean cooking should be regarded not merely as a household expense, but as a long-term investment. While cleaner energy sources such as gas and electricity may require higher initial outlays, households stand to benefit from reduced illness, lower healthcare costs, and increased productivity over time.
Commenting on the findings, Professor Adeloye highlighted that clean cooking represents one of the most immediate and practical pathways to improving public health while advancing economic development. He emphasised that the issue extends beyond environmental considerations, directly influencing household finances, disease burden, and overall national productivity.
The study also draws attention to persistent inequalities, noting that lower-income households, larger families, and communities with limited infrastructure are less likely to adopt clean cooking solutions. This underscores the need for targeted, inclusive policies to ensure equitable access.
To address these gaps, the report calls for strengthened government intervention, including subsidies for clean energy, improved supply chains, expanded access to clean fuels, and the integration of clean cooking into national health and climate frameworks. It further emphasises the importance of collaboration among government, the private sector, and development partners to accelerate progress.
With appropriate policy support, clean cooking has the potential to serve as one of the most cost-effective solutions to Nigeria’s interconnected climate, health, and economic challenges. The findings align with the country’s climate commitments and energy transition agenda, offering a scalable pathway to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance overall household welfare.
To read the full study, visit: https://jheor.org/
About the C2REST Nigeria Study
The C2REST Nigeria Study (https://ccrest.org/) is a multidisciplinary research programme examining the links between climate change, air quality, and respiratory health. It is an equitable partnership collaboration between Teesside University UK and the University of Lagos, combining household data with economic analysis to inform policy and support sustainable development.
