Experts Warn Nigerians Not to Risk Abandoning Cooking Gas for Firewood

Nigerians, particularly those in rural areas, have been advised not to switch from cooking gas to firewood despite the ongoing economic hardship and the recent spike in the price of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).

This warning was issued by researchers and climate change advocates during a program in Abuja on Tuesday, themed “Maximizing Energy Transition Opportunities in Nigeria.” The event highlighted concerns about the rising cost of LPG, which has surged from ₦1,350 to ₦1,500 per kilogram.

Recent reports indicate that in some parts of Ogun and Lagos states, cooking gas prices have peaked at ₦1,500/kg, while in Abuja, the average cost of refilling a 12.5kg cylinder has risen by 41.6%, reaching ₦17,000.

Amara Nwamkpa, Director of Partnership and Development at the Shehu Yar’Adua Foundation, acknowledged that the price hikes might push some Nigerians to consider using firewood for cooking. However, he urged citizens to resist this shift, emphasizing the health risks associated with firewood use, particularly smoke inhalation.

Nwamkpa added that, in light of the global push for an energy transition driven by climate change, Nigerians should explore renewable energy options and clean cooking methods. He explained, “The goal of transitioning to clean cooking is not to entirely eliminate firewood, but to reduce smoke exposure. Smoke inhalation is a leading cause of respiratory diseases, contributing to 40% of pneumonia cases in the country.”

He also pointed out that there are improved stoves that use less firewood, relying on basic technology to reduce smoke emissions. “These stoves can be built by local welders and artisans, creating opportunities for community-driven innovation,” he said. According to Nwamkpa, promoting clean cooking would not only improve health outcomes but also enhance the quality of life for those at the grassroots, easing some of the hardships they face.

Olumide Onitekun, an expert from the Africa Policy Research Initiative, echoed these warnings about the health dangers of using firewood. He stressed that a widespread shift in cooking practices would require consistent advocacy due to longstanding cultural preferences for firewood, particularly in rural communities.

“Nigeria’s energy transition is a gradual process,” Onitekun noted. “While firewood use has deep cultural roots, it’s critical to raise awareness about the health risks it poses. Clean cooking is not just about protecting the environment but also improving public health.”

He further called on the government to implement policies that would encourage private sector involvement in renewable energy initiatives. “Though costs are rising, there are innovative ways, like pay-as-you-go models, to make cleaner energy more accessible,” Onitekun said.

In his presentation, Patrick Okigbo, Founding Partner of Nextier Advisory Limited, emphasized that energy transition is driven by climate change, not resource scarcity or efficiency. He expressed optimism that Nigeria is gradually aligning with the global shift toward renewable energy and foresaw a time when the country would no longer rely on crude oil from the Niger Delta.

The experts collectively underscored the importance of making clean energy accessible and affordable for all Nigerians, particularly at a time when traditional energy sources are becoming more expensive and environmentally harmful.