A recently published residential energy demand survey by the National Bureau of Statistics has shed more light on Nigerian households’ continued heavy reliance on fuelwood, raising concerns about health, environmental and development implications.
According to the 2024 Nigeria Residential Energy Demand-Side Survey (NREDSS), a staggering 67.8% of Nigerian households still rely on fuelwood for their energy needs. This alarming figure underscores the nation’s dependence on unsustainable practices that contribute to deforestation, air pollution, and climate change.
This means close to seven in ten Nigerian families are exposed to indoor air pollution from open cooking fires that burn biomass like wood and charcoal.
In contrast, the adoption of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), a cleaner and more efficient alternative, remains relatively low. Only 19.4% of households utilize LPG for domestic, agricultural, commercial, cultural, or religious purposes. This limited adoption is primarily attributed to high costs and limited access to LPG infrastructure.
Barriers to Clean Cooking Adoption
Despite various initiatives by the government and development partners to promote cleaner fuels, the survey findings show such efforts have had limited success so far in transitioning Nigerian households.
Only 19.4% of families currently use LPG, while 22% rely on charcoal which is only marginally better than fuelwood. High upfront costs of equipment like cylinders and stoves, as well as the price of refills, remain out of reach for many low-income households.
Lack of access due to inadequate LPG distribution infrastructure is another key barrier. Most rural communities still have no nearby LPG retail points. These economic and infrastructural difficulties need to be addressed as a priority to accelerate the energy transition.
The survey also revealed the significant financial burden imposed by energy poverty. Households relying on fuelwood spend an average of N10,239.7 monthly, while those using electricity incur an average expenditure of N4,155.8 per month.
These figures highlight the disproportionate impact of energy poverty on low-income households, who often allocate a substantial portion of their income to energy expenses.
Read Also: Nigeria Loses N13.2 Trillion to Dual Exchange Rate Regime, World Bank Reveals
Health Risks of Fuelwood Cooking
Exposure to household air pollution from inefficient fuelwood combustion has been classified as a major risk factor for diseases by the World Health Organization. It is estimated to cause over 4 million premature deaths globally each year through increased risks of respiratory infections, heart disease, cancers and other ailments.
In Nigeria, the health burden is immense. Women and children are especially vulnerable as they spend the most time near cooking areas inhaling smoke. Diseases linked to fuelwood smoke like pneumonia claim many young lives and drain household resources meant for education and livelihoods.
Environmental Sustainability Concerns
The heavy reliance on fuelwood also raises concerns for environmental sustainability and climate change. Over-harvesting of woodlands for fuel is degrading forests and contributing to desertification in many parts of Nigeria. This is exacerbated by population growth and urbanization.
Deforestation has adverse impacts like increased flooding, soil erosion and loss of biodiversity. It also reduces the natural carbon sink function of forests, adding to global warming. Alternative energy solutions need to be scaled up urgently to ease pressure on the country’s vegetation cover.
Government’s Role in Addressing Energy Poverty
The NBS has called on the government to take decisive action to address the nation’s energy challenges. Key recommendations include:
Promoting Renewable Energy: The government should incentivize the adoption of clean energy sources like solar and wind power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change.
Enhancing LPG Infrastructure: Investing in LPG infrastructure, such as distribution networks and storage facilities, is crucial to expanding access to this cleaner fuel.
Supporting Tree Planting Initiatives: To combat deforestation and protect the environment, the government should promote reforestation efforts and sustainable forest management practices.
Empowering Communities: Empowering communities through education and awareness campaigns can encourage the adoption of clean energy technologies and sustainable practices.
If You Ask Me
The findings of the NREDSS underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable approach to addressing Nigeria’s energy poverty. By prioritizing clean energy solutions, the government can improve public health, protect the environment, and stimulate economic growth.
As the nation strives to achieve sustainable development, it is imperative to invest in energy infrastructure, promote energy efficiency, and empower communities to make informed choices about their energy consumption.
With coordinated multi-sectoral action, Nigeria has an opportunity to curb fuelwood use, improve lives and move towards a low-carbon future. But urgent intervention is required to support the millions of households still cooking with the most polluting and unsustainable fuel.
