The Federal Government is set to distribute 2.4 million clean cooking stoves across Northern Nigeria in 2026, aiming to reduce reliance on firewood and harmful fuels, promote cleaner energy, and create jobs.
Follow us on Google News
The initiative, driven through the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), reflects a major push to tackle energy poverty and environmental degradation in the region, where millions of households still depend on traditional biomass for daily cooking.
Director-General of NAGGW, Dr Saleh Abubakar, described the programme as a practical response to the environmental and health challenges linked to conventional cooking methods. According to him, over 40 million households in Northern Nigeria continue to rely on firewood and other biomass sources, a situation that fuels deforestation and exposes families to dangerous air pollution.
“This practice contributes significantly to deforestation, air pollution, and health risks, especially for women and children,” he said.
Abubakar noted that the distribution of clean cookstoves is not only about environmental protection but also about improving livelihoods. He explained that the programme is expected to stimulate economic activity through local production and supply chains, while also unlocking significant carbon financing opportunities.
He added, “The collaboration with BURN manufacturing could unlock over N300 billion in carbon financing, create jobs, and expand access to affordable clean cooking and alternative energy solutions for rural and underserved communities.”
The initiative is being implemented in partnership with BURN Manufacturing and supported by the Presidential team under the Renewed Hope Climate Change Initiative. Officials say the rollout will leverage existing community networks and state-level coordination systems to ensure transparency and efficiency.
“With presence in eleven frontline states, robust community networks, and proven field structures, NAGGW is well-positioned to scale interventions that bring practical, sustainable solutions to communities,” Abubakar stated.
Also speaking, Special Assistant to the President on Climate Matters, Yusuf Kilani, emphasised that the programme aligns with broader national efforts to promote climate awareness and energy transition.
“The initiative not only reduces household energy costs but also creates jobs, empowers youth, and stimulates local production,” he said.
Kilani further highlighted that some of the stoves will be distributed free to low-income households, while others will be made available at affordable prices to ensure wider access.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology, Olamide Fagbuji, pointed out that the integration of local manufacturing and climate technology is key to achieving long-term sustainability.
“The tour demonstrated how integrating climate technology, local manufacturing, and carbon finance could accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy,” she said.
At the production level, BURN Manufacturing is already scaling capacity to meet demand. Regional Carbon Policy Lead for West Africa, Sola Fatoba, revealed that the facility currently produces 35,000 stoves monthly, with plans to increase output significantly.
The large-scale rollout is expected to position Northern Nigeria as a key hub in the country’s clean energy transition while delivering both environmental and economic benefits.
