A new international study has revealed that adopting clean cooking energy in Nigeria can significantly reduce long-term household costs, improve respiratory health, and ease pressure on the country’s healthcare system.
The research, co-led by Davies Adeloye of Teesside University, was conducted under the C2REST Nigeria Study-C, a three-year initiative funded by the Medical Research Foundation.
The study brought together experts from the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Benin, and Kenya to examine the intersection of climate, environment, and health in rapidly growing urban communities.
The findings come amid rising urbanisation and energy demand across Nigeria, where millions of households still depend on firewood, charcoal, and kerosene for cooking, fuels linked to harmful indoor air pollution and increased risk of respiratory illnesses.
Fieldwork for the study was conducted in Alimosho in Lagos state and Ado-Odo/Ota in Ogun state, areas described as reflective of Nigeria’s urban and peri-urban realities, with fast population growth, industrial activity, and diverse income levels.
According to the researchers, while cleaner energy options such as gas and electricity may involve higher upfront costs, they ultimately save households money through reduced healthcare expenses, fewer illnesses, and improved productivity.
Adeloye noted that clean cooking represents one of the most immediate and practical ways to improve public health while supporting economic development, stressing that the issue extends beyond environmental concerns to directly impact household finances and national productivity.
The study also highlighted inequalities in access to clean cooking solutions, noting that lower-income households, larger families, and communities with limited infrastructure are less likely to make the transition.
To address this, the researchers called for stronger government intervention, including subsidies for clean energy, improved supply chains, and the integration of clean cooking into national health and climate policies. They also emphasised the need for collaboration between government, private sector players, and development partners.
The findings align with Nigeria’s broader climate commitments and energy transition plans, positioning clean cooking as a scalable solution to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance overall household welfare.
The C2REST Nigeria Study is a multidisciplinary collaboration between Teesside University and the University of Lagos, combining household data and economic analysis to inform policy and promote sustainable development.
