In a major step towards addressing household energy poverty and environmental degradation, Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Environment has partnered with CSR Solutions Ltd to launch a nationwide clean cooking initiative. The program aims to provide solar-powered cooking solutions to over four million households, replacing traditional fuels such as firewood and charcoal that continue to dominate Nigerian kitchens.
The initiative comes at a critical time when millions of families still rely on inefficient and hazardous cooking methods, contributing to deforestation, carbon emissions, and widespread health issues. According to health experts, indoor air pollution from open fire cooking is a leading cause of respiratory diseases in low-income homes, especially affecting women and children who are exposed daily.
With this solar-powered solution, the government hopes to reduce these risks significantly, while also tackling long-term environmental concerns such as tree loss and climate change. By limiting the use of biomass fuels, the program also contributes to preserving Nigeria’s forests and biodiversity.
Beyond health and environmental gains, the clean cooking initiative carries strong economic implications. It is expected to generate employment across various segments of the renewable energy value chain—from production and assembly to maintenance and distribution. Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are likely to play a key role in delivering these clean energy solutions, opening up new opportunities for green entrepreneurship and local manufacturing.
The project supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which places emphasis on sustainability, inclusive growth, and improved living standards. By aligning clean energy access with national development goals, the initiative also demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy, and SDG 13 on climate action.
The Honourable Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, described the collaboration as a transformative opportunity for millions of Nigerians. “This is more than a cooking solution—it’s a health intervention, a climate action plan, and an economic opportunity wrapped into one,” he noted during a stakeholder engagement with CSR Solutions Ltd.
CSR Solutions, a private sector partner known for its work in sustainable development, will contribute technical expertise, project implementation capacity, and support for community engagement to ensure the program’s success. By leveraging public-private collaboration, the initiative aims to reach both urban and rural communities in need of safer, cleaner energy alternatives.
If implemented effectively, the program could become a blueprint for other African countries seeking to scale clean energy access while addressing pressing development challenges. For Nigeria, it is another step toward building a greener, healthier, and more energy-resilient future.
