Traditional Open Fire Cooking Is A silent killer, Causes Over 77,000 Deaths in Nigeria Annually Through Lung And Heart Diseases-Minister
Traditional open fire cooking is a silent killer, causing over 77,000 deaths in Nigeria annually through lung and heart diseases. Open fire cooking also causes vision impairment, low birth weight and put people at a higher risk of suffering burnt injuries while the gathering of firewood exposes women and girls to gender based violence, snake bites and other physical injuries. These were stated by the Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at the National Clean Cooking Fair, held at the Continental Hotel Abuja and supported by the European Union,
He said cooking with firewood in open fire is a major driver of deforestation in our country and contributes to the loss of nearly 400,000 hectares of forests annually, while emissions from residential cooking represent about 55 million metric tonnes of CO2e and about 700,000 metric tonnes of harmful fine particulate matter (PM2.5) emissions. This constitutes a significant proportion of Nigeria’s total greenhouse gas emissions.
The Minister noted that clean cooking is not merely a matter of convenience but a matter of public health concern, a fundamental human right which is an essential component of sustainable development. He said by transitioning to cleaner and more efficient cooking technologies, Nigeria can improve air quality, protect public health, and mitigate the impacts of climate change in our communities.
“Nigeria has pledged to provide access to cooking gas for 28.8 million households and improved biomass cook-stoves for 7.3million, representing 48% and 13% respectively by 2030. This intervention when delivered is expected to save over 30,000 lives per annum, build a domestic clean cooking industry and create new jobs, reduce deforestation, assist the government in meeting its climate change commitments like the pledge to reduce Short Lived Climate Pollutants (SLCP) and improve the lives of women and girls in general. To achieve this clean cooking targets, a strong regulatory framework is needed. The Federal Ministry of Environment has therefore developed a National Clean Cooking Policy which was recently approved by the Federal Executive Council to provide a clear direction and specified pathway for Nigeria to achieve clean cooking outcomes”, the Minister said
NigerianEcho recalls that upon approval by the Federal Executive Council, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR directed the immediate implementation and domestication at the sub-national level. This prompted the Ministry through the Department of Climate Change to constitute a National Implementation Committee to drive the process, and seek for support to develop a comprehensive Implementation Plan and Monitoring and Evaluation Framework for the Policy.
Salako said the National Clean Cooking Policy when fully implemented will improve public health by reducing health risks associated with traditional cooking practices, enable environmental sustainability through the use of clean cooking technologies and solutions by reducing deforestation, GHG emissions, and enhance energy access and affordability whilst encouraging gender equality and empowerment for economic development. In addition, the policy is expected to drive investments into the sector thus supporting the job creation agenda of the Federal government of Nigeria.
He said the fair provided an opportunity to showcase innovative solutions, share best practices, and forge partnerships that would drive the Nigerian mission forward.
“Through collaboration and knowledge exchange, we can accelerate the adoption of clean cooking technologies and empower communities to lead healthier and more environmentally conscious lives. This fair must also examine how to ensure that clean cooking technologies are available, accessible and affordable to all Nigerians.
He urged all participants to seize the opportunity to network, learn from experts, and explore innovative solutions that can drive positive change in Nigeria and beyond. He enjoined stakeholders to harness the power of partnership and innovation to create a cleaner, more sustainable world for present and future generations because cooking is an essential activity of man that must be made safe, efficient, pleasant and pleasurable. He thanked the European Union for their invaluable support and to all participants for their unwavering dedication to the cause of clean cooking urging them to pave the way for a brighter, cleaner, and more sustainable future.
