FG to Distribute 4million Solar Cookstoves Nationwide
The Federal Government has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to distribute four million ECOCA solar cookstove units to households across the country. The initiative is being implemented under the Green Economy Empowerment 774 (GEE774) programme of the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
It is aimed at expanding access to clean cooking solutions, reducing indoor air pollution and advancing Nigeria’s climate commitments, while promoting gender equality and economic inclusion.
The MoU 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 agreement, four million ECOCA solar electric cookstove units will be distributed nationwide, with 5,000 units allocated to each of the 774 local government areas (LGAs).
According to the Ministry, indoor air pollution is responsible for an estimated 95,000 deaths annually in Nigeria, with women and children most affected due to prolonged exposure to smoke from traditional cooking methods such as firewood and charcoal.It said the rollout of the solar cookstoves would significantly reduce harmful emissions in homes, improve respiratory health outcomes and enhance overall household wellbeing.
Beyond health benefits, the ministry said the programme would reduce the time and physical burden associated with traditional cooking, enabling women to devote more time to education, entrepreneurship and other productive activities.
Each ECOCA unit is projected to offset about 4.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, contributing to Nigeria’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.The ministry noted that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s nationally determined contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and supports efforts to address deforestation, environmental degradation and energy poverty.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim said the clean cooking programme reflects the federal government’s commitment to integrating environmental sustainability with women’s empowerment and inclusive economic growth.
She added that the intervention, implemented under the GEE774 women economy and carbon incentives initiative, is designed to deliver sustainable development outcomes across all LGAs.
“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,” the minister said.
Each cookstove unit comes with three LED lights to enhance energy access, two stainless steel pots, two USB charging points and a monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) system for tracking carbon offsets.
The ministry said the initiative would also support pilot projects in selected states, as part of broader efforts to scale clean energy adoption and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders to empower women and deliver long-term climate and development benefits.
