From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has praised the Presidential Committee on Gas Transition for its commitment to advancing clean energy solutions and recognising the vital roles women play in achieving Nigeria’s energy transition objectives.
She gave the commendation when she met with the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Gas Transition, Mohammed Ibrahim, in Abuja on Friday to discuss partnerships aimed at enhancing women’s access to clean cooking solutions.
She said: “We are committed to supporting this agenda because it directly aligns with our mandate to improve the socio-economic and health conditions of Nigerian women.
“Providing access to clean cooking solutions is a critical step toward reducing energy poverty and empowering women across the country,” she said.
On his part, Ibrahim said the committee is focused on improving access to clean energy solutions that will positively impact women’s health, livelihoods, and well-being.
He highlighted the critical need to transition Nigerian households from traditional cooking methods, such as firewood and charcoal, to clean cooking technologies powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other sustainable energy sources.
He noted that women and children are the most affected by the health risks associated with traditional cooking practices, including respiratory diseases caused by prolonged exposure to harmful smoke.
“Clean cooking is not just an environmental or economic issue; it is a health and social justice issue. Nigerian women, especially those in rural areas, deserve access to safer and more sustainable cooking methods that will improve their quality of life,” he stated during his presentation.
Ibrahim also emphasised that transitioning to clean cooking will reduce deforestation, improve household air quality, and create economic opportunities for women in the clean energy sector.
The discussions culminated in an agreement for collaborative efforts to promote awareness of clean energy solutions and accelerate the adoption of clean cooking technologies across Nigeria.