OVER 98,000 NIGERIAN WOMEN DIE YEARLY FROM FIREWOOD USE – MINISTER
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The Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has said that over 98,000 Nigerian women die from the use of firewood, according to the World Health Organisation.
The minister added that using firewood to cook breakfast, lunch and dinner was equal to smoking 20 packs of cigarette in a day, emphasizing the necessity of transitioning to cleaner sources of energy.
She stated this during her address at the Flag-Off of the Benue State National Gas Expansion Programme Stakeholders Consultative Forum in Benin, on Monday
Sulaiman-Ibrahim described the transition to cleaner energy as a necessity for survival and progress, rather than an option, noting that innovations like the Compressed Natural Gas, would reduce household energy costs, enhance health outcomes, and create new economic opportunities.
“The transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy is no longer an option; it is a necessity for our survival and progress. For women particularly, it is an opportunity to break barriers, access economic opportunities, and improve their quality of life”.
“As you may be aware, the World Health Organization estimate that over 98,000 Nigerian women die annually from the use of firewood. If a woman cooks breakfast, lunch and dinner, it is equivalent to smoking between three and 20 packets of cigarettes a day, exposing her to severe respiratory and cardiovascular health risks”.
“In Nigeria, where women and children disproportionately bear the brunt of energy poverty, this shift therefore holds the promise of significantly improving lives. Cleaner energy like CNG is not just about reducing emissions; it is about reducing household energy costs, enhancing health outcomes, and creating new economic opportunities”, she said.
The Minister also said she was focused on advocating solutions for women, children and vulnerable groups, adding that the initiative had the potential to empower rural women, by providing them with access to affordable and sustainable energy solutions.
She added that cleaner energy meant “more opportunities for small businesses to thrive, safer environments for our children, and the reduction of harmful pollutants that affect families daily”, while calling for inclusivity in investments in the gas sector.
‘As we continue to invest in and expand the gas sector, let us not lose sight of the need for intentional policies that ensure inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and economic viability. This includes prioritizing access for women, youth, and vulnerable populations, and ensuring that the benefits of cleaner energy reach every corner of our society”, she stated.
The Minister also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his commitment to driving sustainable development, fostering economic empowerment, and championing initiatives that prioritize the well-being of all Nigerians, adding that her Ministry was equally committed to ensuring that women and children were at the forefront of such initiatives.
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