For millions of families across Northern Nigeria, cooking a daily meal still comes at a cost to their health and the environment. Smoke-filled kitchens, firewood gathering, and rising fuel costs remain part of everyday life—but that may soon begin to change.
The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has renewed hope for these households, announcing plans to support the distribution of 2.4 million eco-friendly cookstoves in 2026 under the Renewed Hope Climate Change Initiative.
Director General, Alhaji Abubakar Sale, MFR, made this known during a visit to Kano, where he inspected the BURN Manufacturing facility producing energy-efficient stoves designed for rural communities.
Although the Director General was not physically present, his message was delivered by his Technical Assistant, Dr. Olanrewaju Ogunmilua, who emphasized that the initiative is both urgent and deeply important to the agency’s mission.
He explained that beyond environmental goals, the agency is focused on improving the daily lives of people—especially women and children who bear the burden of traditional cooking methods.
In many homes, cooking with firewood or charcoal exposes families to harmful smoke, leading to respiratory illnesses and other health complications. For these families, clean cook stoves could mean safer kitchens and healthier living conditions.
Ogunmilua praised BURN Manufacturing for providing innovative solutions that not only reduce harmful emissions but also make cooking faster, cheaper, and more efficient for ordinary Nigerians.
He also recognized the role of the Presidential Team on the Renewed Hope Climate Change Initiative in pushing forward programs that directly impact communities.
According to him, the effort is not just about policy but about real people and real change—ensuring that solutions reach those who need them most.
He noted that more than 40 million households in Northern Nigeria still rely on traditional biomass, a reality that continues to drive deforestation and worsen air pollution.
With its strong presence across eleven frontline states, NAGGW believes it is well-positioned to bridge this gap, using its community networks to ensure that clean cooking solutions reach even the most remote areas.
Ogunmilua added that the partnership with BURN Manufacturing could also open doors for job creation and community development, while unlocking over N300 billion in carbon financing.
As the plan to distribute 2.4 million stoves unfolds, there is growing optimism that this initiative will not only protect the environment but also transform everyday life—one kitchen, one family at a time.
