Environment Minister Advocates Investment in Clean Cooking

Balarabe Abbas Lawal, the Minister of Environment, urged for increased investment in Nigeria's clean cooking sector during the Nigeria Clean Cooking Forum 2026 held in Abuja. He stated that Nigeria requires significantly more capital to facilitate the transition from traditional cooking fuels to cleaner energy sources.

Lawal, represented by Enebong Abiola, Deputy Director of Climate Change, emphasized the need for diversified financing to expand access to affordable cooking technologies, especially for low-income households. He called on international development institutions to provide technical expertise and concessional financing to support clean cooking projects.

Lawal highlighted that clean cooking is crucial not only for energy but also for public health and environmental concerns. He noted that Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan includes clean cooking as a key component for achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

The minister stressed the importance of a people-centered and gender-inclusive approach to the transition, addressing the needs of women and low-income families.