FG to distribute 4m solar cookstoves nationwide

The Federal Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to distribute four million ECOCA solar electric cookstoves to households nationwide as part of efforts to expand access to clean energy and promote environmental sustainability.

The initiative, under the Green Economy Empowerment 774 (GEE774) programme of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, aims to provide cleaner cooking solutions, reduce indoor air pollution, and support Nigeria’s climate commitments while advancing gender equality and economic inclusion.

The MoU was signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nko Asanye Esuabana, on behalf of the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, in partnership with Clean Sustainable Renewable Solutions Limited (CSR Solutions).

Under the agreement, 5,000 cookstove units will be distributed in each of the 774 local government areas across the country, bringing the total to four million units.

The ministry noted that indoor air pollution causes an estimated 95,000 deaths annually in Nigeria, with women and children disproportionately affected due to exposure to smoke from firewood and charcoal used in traditional cooking methods.

It explained that the rollout of the solar-powered cookstoves would help cut harmful household emissions, improve respiratory health, and enhance overall wellbeing.

Beyond health benefits, the programme is expected to ease the time and physical strain associated with traditional cooking, giving women more opportunities to pursue education, entrepreneurship, and other productive activities.

Each ECOCA unit is projected to offset approximately 4.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, contributing to Nigeria’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

The ministry said the project aligns with Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement and supports efforts to tackle deforestation, environmental degradation, and energy poverty.

Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the initiative as a demonstration of the government’s commitment to linking environmental sustainability with women’s empowerment and inclusive economic growth.

She added that the programme, implemented under the GEE774 women economy and carbon incentives initiative, is designed to deliver sustainable development outcomes across all LGAs.

Each cookstove comes equipped with three LED lights, two stainless steel pots, two USB charging ports, and a monitoring, reporting, and verification system to track carbon offsets.

The ministry also disclosed plans to support pilot projects in selected states to scale up clean energy adoption and strengthen partnerships aimed at empowering women and achieving long-term climate and development goals.