Nigeria Launches Initiative to Integrate Electric Cooking into National Policy
The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated a nationwide effort to incorporate electric cooking (e-cooking) into the Clean Cooking Policy Implementation Plan. This initiative aims to enhance access to clean energy, mitigate emissions, and generate climate finance for sustainable cooking solutions.
Announced at a recent workshop themed “Integration of e-cooking in Nigeria’s Clean Cooking Policy Implementation Plan and Financial Proposals for Implementing E-Cooking,” the initiative was organized by the Federal Ministry of Environment in partnership with various development organizations.
In a keynote address, Salihu Usman, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Environment, represented by the Director-General of Climate Change, Iniobong Abiola Awe, stated that this project addresses pressing issues such as energy poverty, climate change, environmental degradation, and the health risks associated with traditional cooking fuels like firewood and charcoal.
The ministry emphasized the timing of this workshop, highlighting its critical role in Nigeria’s development journey toward finding practical and comprehensive solutions to contemporary challenges, including public health and environmental concerns.
Diverse Cooking Options for a Sustainable Future
The ministry stressed that while millions of Nigerians continue to depend on biomass fuels for cooking, policy foundations for cleaner alternatives are being laid. The National Clean Cooking Policy, launched in 2024, sets the framework for increasing access to safe and sustainable cooking technologies through investments and innovation.
According to the ministry, the next phase involves integrating electric cooking into this policy framework. Electric cooking harnesses electricity from grid connections, mini-grids, solar, and other renewable sources, offering substantial environmental, economic, and social benefits.
Advancements in renewable energy technologies and energy-efficient devices now make electric cooking a viable option for households and businesses alike. Implementing these technologies widely could significantly lower greenhouse gas emissions, enhance indoor air quality, reduce deforestation, and boost energy efficiency in homes.
Aligning with Climate Change Goals
The government highlighted that integrating electronic cooking aligns with Nigeria’s energy transition plan, which aims for net-zero emissions by 2060 while expanding electricity access. This initiative also supports Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement by targeting emissions reductions in the domestic energy sector.
Moreover, the ministry indicated that electric cooking contributes to national adaptation strategies by minimizing reliance on unsustainable biomass, strengthening ecosystem resilience, and improving livelihoods—particularly for women and rural communities.
Attracting Investment for Electric Cooking
Recognizing the significant investment needed to promote electric cookers, the ministry pointed out existing barriers such as affordability and inadequate infrastructure. The initiative will focus on developing evidence-based strategies and attractive financing proposals to engage public bodies, private investors, development finance institutions, carbon markets, and international climate funds.
According to the ministry, creating a robust funding proposal will be critical in mobilizing resources for widespread deployment of e-cooking solutions throughout Nigeria. They also committed to supporting parallel efforts, including enhancing climate finance, deploying renewable energy, restoring ecosystems, and implementing gender-responsive climate actions.
Fostering Local Manufacturing and Green Job Creation
Abiola Awe emphasized the importance of developing the domestic value chain for electric cooking appliances, which could stimulate local manufacturing, generate green jobs, reduce import dependency, and enhance Nigeria’s clean energy economy.
Partnerships with the private sector, financial institutions, and development partners will be essential in expanding markets while ensuring that vulnerable communities benefit from these advancements. The official also highlighted the need to focus on women, youth, and children, who are most adversely affected by traditional cooking methods.
Building on Existing Initiatives
Asmau Jibril, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) Country Director for Nigeria, noted that adding electric cooking to the national clean cooking framework presents a valuable opportunity to diversify clean energy options. This initiative complements ongoing government efforts to deploy renewable energy and foster the growth of green industries.
Mrs. Jibril shared that the government has already distributed 3,400 clean cooking stoves as part of the Presidential Initiative on Climate Change across several states, with distributions in the Federal Capital Territory and Kano set to conclude soon.
