‘Women Critical To Achieving Nigeria’s Energy Transition Goals’

Minister of Women Affairs, Hon. Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has commended the Presidential Committee on Gas Transition for their commitment to promoting clean energy solutions and for recognizing the significant roles of women in achieving Nigeria’s energy transition goals.

During a session with the minister at the weekend in Abuja, by the chairman of the Presidential Committee on Gas Transition, Prof. Mohammed Ibrahim,  the minister expressed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with the Committee towards ensuring that more women, especially those in rural communities, benefit from clean cooking initiatives.

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,” Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.

On his part, Professor Ibrahim stated 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,” Prof. Ibrahim stated during his presentation.

He 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.

Both parties agreed on the need for collaborative efforts to accelerate the adoption of clean cooking technologies and to raise awareness of the health and economic benefits of clean energy solutions for women and their families.