Expanding Clean Cooking Access in Nigeria: Progress, Barriers, and Opportunities

Introduction

Clean cooking remains one of Nigeria’s greatest untapped energy transitions. Despite significant investments in solar electrification, about 70% of households still rely on firewood, charcoal, and kerosene for cooking. This article compiles insights from open-access reports and studies (CC BY / CC BY-SA) that evaluate Nigeria’s clean cooking progress, key challenges, and future directions.

Background

Nigeria’s heavy reliance on biomass contributes to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and gender inequality. The National Clean Cooking Policy (2023) seeks to expand access to LPG, improved biomass, and electric cooking solutions through public-private partnerships and local manufacturing.

Technologies and Fuel Pathways

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): The government’s target is 13 million LPG cylinders distributed to households by 2030. Improved Biomass Cookstoves: Locally produced stoves reduce wood consumption by 40–60%. Electric Cooking (eCooking): Solar mini-grids and battery-based cooking solutions are being piloted in Northern Nigeria under GIZ and UKAID projects. Biogas: Waste-to-energy systems for institutions and farms are gaining traction, particularly in southern states.

Finance and Business Models

Microfinance institutions are increasingly supporting women entrepreneurs in stove distribution. Carbon finance provides a new revenue stream for clean cooking projects. Public-private collaboration through initiatives like Clean Cooking Alliance Nigeria (CCAN) is building sector capacity.

Policy and Institutional Framework

The Federal Ministry of Environment (FME) and Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) coordinate the Clean Cooking Programme. Regulatory support also comes from the Nigerian Alliance for Clean Cookstoves (NACC), which promotes domestic manufacturing and awareness campaigns.

Challenges

High upfront cost of clean stoves and LPG refills. Weak supply chains in rural areas. Cultural cooking preferences slowing adoption. Limited access to consumer finance.

Recommendations

Introduce fiscal incentives for local stove producers. Expand last-mile distribution through cooperatives. Integrate clean cooking promotion into health and gender programs. Scale up carbon credit aggregation for verified projects.

Case Studies

ECOIC Nigeria (2024): Pilot solar e-cooking in Borno State reduced wood use by 80%. Rural Women Energy Cooperative (2023): LPG micro-loan scheme improved affordability and safety awareness.

Conclusion

Transitioning to clean cooking in Nigeria is both an energy and public health imperative. Aligning finance, policy, and awareness campaigns will ensure sustainable adoption and help meet the country’s energy transition goals.

Further Reading

Clean Cooking Alliance (2024). Nigeria Clean Cooking Country Profile. (CC BY-SA). GIZ (2023). Electric Cooking in Off-grid Contexts. (CC BY-SA). Federal Ministry of Environment (2023). National Clean Cooking Policy of Nigeria. (CC BY).

Attribution and License

This article summarises material under Creative Commons licenses (CC BY / CC BY-SA). It may be freely reused with attribution.