Minister of Women Affairs, 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.
In a statement sent on Sunday, the Minister expressed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with the Committee to ensure that more women, especially those in rural communities, benefit from clean cooking initiatives. She emphasized, “We are committed to supporting this agenda because it aligns with our mandate to improve Nigerian women’s socio-economic and health conditions. Providing access to clean cooking solutions is a critical step toward reducing energy poverty and empowering women across the country.”
The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Gas Transition, Professor Mohammed Ibrahim, also stressed the committee's focus on improving access to clean energy solutions that positively impact women’s health, livelihoods, and well-being. He highlighted the importance of transitioning Nigerian households from traditional cooking methods like firewood and charcoal to cleaner technologies powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other sustainable energy sources.
Prof Ibrahim noted that women and children are the most affected by the health risks associated with traditional cooking practices, particularly respiratory diseases caused by prolonged exposure to harmful smoke. He stated, “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 to improve their quality of life.”
The transition to clean cooking technologies is expected to reduce deforestation, improve household air quality, and create economic opportunities for women in the clean energy sector. Both the Minister and Prof Ibrahim agreed on the need for collaborative efforts to accelerate the adoption of these technologies and raise awareness about their health and economic benefits for women and their families.
