Clean Cooking in Nigeria Can Cut Costs and Boost Public Health, New Study Finds

A new international study has found that switching to clean cooking energy in Nigeria can reduce long-term household costs, improve respiratory health, and ease pressure on the healthcare system.

The study, co-led by Davies Adeloye of Teesside University, UK, was conducted under the C2REST Nigeria Study—a three-year programme funded by the Medical Research Foundation. The research brings together experts from the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Benin, and Kenya to examine the links between climate, environment, and health in rapidly growing urban communities.

The findings come at a critical time as Nigeria faces rapid urbanisation and rising energy demand. Millions of households still depend on firewood, charcoal and kerosene for cooking, fuels that contribute to harmful indoor air pollution and increase the risk of respiratory and other health conditions.

Researchers focused on Alimosho in Lagos State and Ado-Odo/Ota in Ogun State—areas that mirror the realities of modern Nigeria, marked by fast population growth, industrial activity and a mix of income levels. This makes the findings relevant for urban and peri-urban communities nationwide.

Crucially, the study reframes clean cooking as a long-term financial and health investment rather than a short-term expense. While cleaner energy sources such as gas and electricity may require higher upfront costs, households stand to save over time through reduced illness, lower medical expenses and improved productivity.

Speaking on the findings, Professor Adeloye emphasised that clean cooking is one of the most practical and immediate ways to improve public health while supporting economic development. He noted that the issue goes beyond environmental concerns, directly affecting household finances, disease burden and national productivity.

The research also exposes persistent inequalities. Lower-income households, larger families and communities with limited infrastructure are less likely to adopt clean cooking solutions, underlining the need for targeted and inclusive policies.

To address these gaps, the study calls for stronger government action, including subsidies for clean energy, improved supply chains, expanded access to clean fuels and the integration of clean cooking into national health and climate strategies. It adds that collaboration between government, the private sector and development partners will be key to accelerating progress.

With the right policy backing, the study concludes that clean cooking could become one of the most cost-effective tools for tackling Nigeria’s interconnected climate, health and economic challenges.

The findings align with Nigeria’s climate commitments and energy transition plans, offering a practical and scalable pathway to reduce emissions, improve air quality and enhance household welfare.