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A new international study has found that switching to clean cooking energy in Nigeria can reduce long-term household costs, improve respiratory health, and ease pressure on the healthcare system.
The
study, co-led by Davies Adeloye of Teesside University, UK, was
conducted under the C2REST Nigeria Study—a three-year programme funded by the
Medical Research Foundation. The research brings together experts from the
United Kingdom, Nigeria, Benin, and Kenya to examine the links between climate,
environment, and health in rapidly growing urban communities.
The
findings come at a critical time. As Nigeria experiences rapid urbanisation and
rising energy demand, millions of households still rely on firewood, charcoal,
and kerosene for cooking. These fuels contribute to harmful indoor air
pollution and increase the risk of respiratory and other health conditions.
The
study was carried out in Alimosho (Lagos State) and Ado-Odo/Ota (Ogun State),
two areas that reflect the realities of modern Nigeria, with fast population
growth, industrial activity, and mixed-income households. This makes the
findings highly relevant for many urban and peri-urban communities across the
country.
Importantly,
the research shows that clean cooking should not be seen simply as a household
expense, but as a long-term investment. Although cleaner energy sources such as
gas and electricity may have higher upfront costs, households can save money
over time through fewer illnesses, lower healthcare spending, and improved
productivity.
Speaking
on the findings, Professor Adeloye emphasised that clean cooking is one of the
most practical and immediate ways to improve public health while supporting
economic development. He noted that the issue goes beyond environmental
concerns, directly affecting household finances, disease burden, and national
productivity.
The
study also highlights important inequalities. Lower-income households, larger
families, and communities with limited infrastructure are less likely to adopt
clean cooking solutions. This points to the need for targeted and inclusive
policies to ensure that no group is left behind.
To
address these challenges, the study calls for stronger government action. This
includes subsidising clean energy costs, improving supply chains, expanding
access to clean fuels, and integrating clean cooking into national health and
climate strategies. Collaboration between government, the private sector, and
development partners will be essential to accelerate progress.
With
the right policy support, clean cooking could become one of the most
cost-effective ways to tackle Nigeria’s interconnected climate, health, and
economic challenges.
The
findings align with Nigeria’s climate commitments and energy transition plans,
offering a practical and scalable solution to reduce emissions, improve air
quality, and enhance household welfare.
To
read the full study, visit: https://jheor.org/article/158931
About the C2REST Nigeria
Study
The
C2REST Nigeria Study (https://ccrest.org/) is a multidisciplinary research programme examining the
links between climate change, air quality, and respiratory health. It is an
equitable partnership collaboration between Teesside University UK and the
University of Lagos, combining household data with economic analysis to inform
policy and support sustainable development.
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