National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) has distributed over one million energy-saving cooking stoves to women in rural communities across Nigeria.
The move promotes clean energy, tackles deforestation, and drives the nation’s transition to a green economy.
At a one-day workshop themed “Promoting Green Accountability Towards Effective Management of Climate Action and Sustainable Development of Nigeria: What Role for the Women,” organised by the International Women Communication Centre (IWCC) in Abuja, NASENI’s head of impact desk, Dr Yahaya Tanko, said the initiative was central to empowering women and advancing Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Tanko said the Power Stove Initiative supports SDG 13 (climate action) by reducing reliance on firewood and other biomass fuels, contributing to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions. He added that the clean, efficient stoves also enhance health and productivity for rural women who previously spent hours gathering firewood, breathing in smoke, and enduring health risks.
“Every stove we distribute is a step toward a healthier environment and empowered communities,” Tanko said, stressing the programme’s alignment with SDG 7 (affordable and clean energy) and SDG 3 (good health and well-being).
Under the leadership of Khalil Suleiman Halilu, NASENI’s executive vice chairman and CEO, the agency has expanded its women-focused innovation agenda, awarding over ₦100 million in research grants to female engineers through the Developing Engineering Leaders Through Her (DELT-Her) programme.
According to Tanko, the DELT-Her project is designed to address gender imbalance in engineering and technology-based businesses by “creating a thriving innovation ecosystem for women in Nigeria.”
“The DELT-Her project is a testament to NASENI’s dedication to empowering women to excel in fields traditionally dominated by men,” he said.
Tanko noted that the Power Stove Initiative is not just about cooking solutions but also about creating jobs and integrating women into Nigeria’s renewable energy value chain. By doing so, NASENI is supporting SDG 5 (gender equality), SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth), and SDG 10 (reduced inequalities).
Halilu’s commitment to girl-child empowerment was also highlighted during the workshop. Tanko told participants that the NASENI boss was “deeply passionate about inclusive development” and urged women to adopt green projects as Nigeria and the world shift towards low-carbon economies.
“The future is green, and women are at the heart of this transformation,” he declared.
He further explained that NASENI’s approach to sustainable development includes partnerships with international investors, government agencies, the private sector, and academia to ensure long-term impact and efforts that reflect SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals).
With Nigeria pushing to meet its 2030 SDG targets, Tanko said NASENI’s stove distribution drive and support for female innovators and entrepreneurs is “a model for sustainable development.”
As the National Inclusive Green Jobs Act looms on the policy horizon, NASENI’s leadership believes its initiatives — from DELT-Her grants to the Power Stove project- will keep sparking economic opportunities and climate-friendly progress.
“It’s one stove, one job, and one empowered woman at a time,” Tanko concluded.
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