By Muhammad Nur Tijani
The Federal Government, through the National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW), Nigeria, has pledged to distribute 2.4 million clean cooking stoves across Northern Nigeria in 2026.
This, it said, is with a view to reinforcing its commitment to sustainable energy solutions and climate action.
The Director-General of NAGGW, Dr Saleh Abubakar, disclosed this during the Renewed Hope Climate Change Awareness Grand Tour of the BURN clean cooking manufacturing facility in Kano on Monday.
Represented by Dr Olanrewaju Ogunmilua, Special Technical Assistant to the DG, Abubakar commended the partnership between NAGGW, BURN Manufacturing, and the Presidential Team driving the Renewed Hope Climate Change Initiative.
He described clean cooking as a critical environmental, public health and economic priority, noting that over 40 million households in Northern Nigeria still relied on traditional biomass for cooking.
“This practice contributes significantly to deforestation, air pollution, and health risks, especially for women and children.
“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,” the D-G said.
Abubakar explained that 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 agency plans to leverage state-level coordination platforms and community-based systems to ensure transparency, speed, and sustainability in implementing the clean cooking program,” he added.
Earlier, Special Assistant to the President on Climate Matters, Yusuf Kilani, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to climate change awareness and sustainable energy solutions.
He noted that the visit formed part of the campaign to take climate awareness to all geopolitical zones and states.
Kilani commended the clean cookstoves being produced and distributed in Nigeria for their efficiency, sustainability, and significant reduction in carbon emissions compared with traditional methods.
“Some stoves are being distributed free to support low-income households, while others are available at affordable rates,” he stated.
He said: “The initiative not only reduces household energy costs but also creates jobs, empowers youth, and stimulates local production.”
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate Technology, Olamide Fagbuji, said the tour demonstrated how integrating climate technology, local manufacturing, and carbon finance could accelerate Nigeria’s transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the initiative’s broader benefits include economic growth, job creation, and improved social welfare.
Regional Carbon Policy Lead for West Africa at BURN, Mr Sola Fatoba, said the ISO-certified facility, one of Africa’s largest, produces 35,000 stoves monthly, with the capacity to scale to 100,000, creating jobs and supporting women’s participation.
Fatoba added that Kano ranks among the top four states in climate governance, reinforcing its role as a regional clean energy hub. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)