By: Sunday Ameh
The federal government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to distribute four million ECOCA solar electric cookstoves to households across Nigeria as part of efforts to promote clean energy and reduce indoor air pollution.
The initiative is being implemented under the Green Economy Empowerment 774 (GEE774) programme of the federal ministry of women affairs and social development.
The agreement was signed by Nko Asanye Esuabana, permanent secretary of the ministry, on behalf of Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, minister of women affairs, in partnership with Clean Sustainable Renewable Solutions Limited (CSR Solutions).
Under the arrangement, 5,000 solar cookstove units will be distributed to each of the country’s 774 local government areas.
Tackling indoor air pollution
The ministry said the programme aims to expand access to clean cooking solutions, reduce harmful emissions, and support Nigeria’s climate commitments while advancing gender equality and economic inclusion.
According to the ministry, indoor air pollution contributes to about 95,000 deaths annually in Nigeria, with women and children disproportionately affected due to prolonged exposure to smoke from firewood and charcoal cooking.
Officials said the solar cookstoves would help improve respiratory health outcomes and enhance household wellbeing nationwide.
Beyond health gains, the government noted that the initiative would reduce the time and physical burden associated with traditional cooking methods, allowing women to devote more time to education, entrepreneurship and other productive activities.
Each ECOCA cookstove unit is projected to offset approximately 4.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, supporting Nigeria’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
The ministry added that the programme aligns with Nigeria’s nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and broader efforts to combat deforestation, environmental degradation and energy poverty.
Features of the cookstoves
Each unit will come equipped with:
. three LED lights
. two stainless steel
. cooking pots
. two USB charging ports
. a monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system to track carbon offsets.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the clean cooking initiative demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to combining environmental sustainability with women’s empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
“As we commit to clean cooking and zero emissions today, we promise a healthier, cleaner and more equitable future for our women, children and communities,” she said.
The ministry added that pilot projects will be launched in selected states as part of efforts to scale clean energy adoption nationwide.
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