Nigerians, particularly those at the grassroots, have been urged not to resort to using firewood for cooking despite the recent hike in the price of cooking gas.
This warning was given by climate change advocates and researchers during a programme held in Abuja on Tuesday, focused on ‘Maximising energy transition opportunities in Nigeria.’
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Amara Nwamkpa, Director for Partnership and Development at the Shehu Yar’Adua Foundation, acknowledged that the increased price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) could pressure some Nigerians to consider firewood as an alternative. However, he advised against the switch, citing the health risks associated with firewood smoke exposure.
“The transition to clean cooking is not an attempt to completely eliminate firewood but to reduce the exposure and inhalation of smoke,” Nwamkpa stated, adding that 40% of pneumonia cases in the country are linked to such exposure. He urged Nigerians to consider renewable energy options for cooking.
At the same event, Olumide Onitekun from the Africa Policy Research Initiative echoed similar concerns, highlighting the health hazards posed by firewood use. “Health-wise, using firewood for cooking is not safe. There are a whole lot of health implications involved when humans are exposed to the emissions,” Onitekun warned.
Both experts emphasized the need for consistent advocacy to educate people on the benefits of clean cooking and called for government policies to encourage private sector investment in renewable energy initiatives.
