EU Boosts Nigeria’s Energy Transition, Backing a Greener Future

The EU backs Nigeria’s energy transition by funding clean cooking and rural electrification, reducing pollution, and boosting health.

The European Union (EU) is helping Nigeria change how it cooks. The EU supports Nigeria’s energy transition by promoting sustainable cooking solutions. This effort focuses on clean, affordable, and safe energy. The programme targets rural areas where traditional cooking methods harm both health and the environment.

Clean Cooking for Better Health

Nigeria still relies on old ways of cooking, using firewood and charcoal. These methods lead to deforestation and air pollution. In fact, the Clean Air Fund emphasises how 198,000 air pollution-related deaths in Nigeria exceeded those from malaria (191,000) and were more than double those caused by HIV/AIDS (82,000) in 2019. So, one way the EU aims to reverse this trend is by introducing clean cooking options. These options will cut down on the use of harmful fuels. The EU’s project promises to lower the risk of respiratory illnesses and other serious health problems.

The Nigeria Energy Support Programme

The EU, together with Germany, funds the Nigeria Energy Support Programme (NESP). This programme supports several key areas. It works on clean cooking, rural electrification, and energy diversification. By doing so, the programme creates new economic opportunities for communities. Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Section for the Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, explains that clean cooking is at the heart of the partnership. She notes that cooking is not only about preparing food—it also affects health, education, the environment, and the climate.

Empowering Communities with Sustainable Solutions

Local leaders see great promise in these efforts. In Plateau State, Deputy Governor Josephine Chundung Piyo has praised clean cooking technologies. She explains that these technologies will reduce indoor air pollution. They will also save time for women who often spend long hours collecting fuel. In addition, the local government plans to support these efforts. Plateau State Polytechnic will open a research and testing centre. This centre will help develop and test innovative cooking methods that benefit the whole region.

Legislative Support and Future Plans

Lawmakers also play an important role in Nigeria’s energy transition. The Plateau State House of Assembly has promised to pass strong laws that support clean cooking. These laws will make it easier to implement new cooking technologies. Local leaders believe that clear and firm legislation will boost the success of these projects. Their efforts create a solid foundation for sustainable cooking solutions and help reduce environmental harm.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

The shift to cleaner cooking methods will boost local economies. Cleaner cooking tools create job opportunities in manufacturing, training, and maintenance. As communities adopt these sustainable cooking solutions, they also protect the environment. This new approach helps slow deforestation and reduces air pollution. The clean energy revolution improves public health and creates a safer environment for future generations.

Innovations on Display

At a recent event in Plateau State, there were many clean cooking technologies on display. The exhibition gave stakeholders a chance to see the benefits of new tools. Visitors learned that clean cooking is simple and effective. They saw how these innovations can lower fuel costs and reduce environmental damage. The display sparked interest in technologies that promise a healthier, more sustainable future.

In her remark, Plateau State Deputy Governor, Josephine Chundung Piyo, highlighted the many benefits of adopting clean cooking technologies, particularly for women and children. “These technologies will reduce indoor air pollution and empower women by freeing up time spent on fuel collection,” she said. 
Managing Director, of Plateau State Energy Corporation, Ponzing Gamde, also expressed the benefits. He emphasised that “by adopting these technologies, we can live cleaner, healthier lives, and protect our environment.” 

Hon. Gabriel Dewan, the Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, also shared how strong laws will boost clean cooking solutions. Engr. Owen Dagogot spoke on his behalf who assured that the legislature supports these initiatives with new laws. 

The event showcased clean cooking technologies in an exhibition. Stakeholders saw how these innovations improve lives and protect the environment.

A Path to Nigeria’s Energy Transition

The EU’s support drives Nigeria’s energy transition forward. The focus on sustainable cooking solutions marks a key step in the country’s move to cleaner energy. Local leaders, backed by solid government policies, are ready to embrace these changes. The program offers hope for a greener future and healthier communities.
This journey improves daily life and protects Nigeria’s natural resources. By reducing harmful emissions and deforestation, these efforts contribute to global climate action. The EU’s work in Nigeria stands as a model of international support for sustainable development. Together, partners on the ground and in Europe work to create lasting change in Nigeria’s energy future.

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