Adopting hygienic cooking methods may significantly reduce Nigeria's medical expenses, research reveals

A new international study has revealed that adopting clean cooking energy can lead to significant reductions in household expenses, notable improvements in respiratory health, and a substantial alleviation of pressure on Nigeria's healthcare system.

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The study, co-led by Davies Adeloye of Teesside University in the United Kingdom, was conducted under the auspices of the C2REST Nigeria Study, a three-year program funded by the Medical Research Foundation, which brings together researchers from the UK, Nigeria, Benin, and Kenya.

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Fieldwork for the research was carried out in two fast-growing, mixed-income areas: Alimosho in Lagos State and Ado-Odo/Ota in Ogun State, chosen for their representative conditions common to urban and peri-urban communities across Nigeria.

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The research found that while cleaner energy sources, such as gas and electricity, carry higher initial costs, households can ultimately save money over time through reduced illnesses, lower healthcare expenditure, and improved productivity.

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The study highlights that clean cooking should be viewed as a long-term investment, rather than simply a household expense, as it can yield significant financial savings through reduced healthcare spending and improved productivity.

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According to Adeloye, clean cooking is one of the most practical and immediate ways to improve public health while supporting economic development, with far-reaching implications that extend beyond environmental concerns to directly affect household finances, disease burden, and national productivity.

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The study identified significant disparities in the adoption of cleaner fuels, noting that lower-income households, larger families, and communities with poor infrastructure are the least likely to make the switch.

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This disparity underscores the need for targeted and inclusive policies to ensure that no group is left behind in the transition to cleaner energy sources.

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To accelerate progress, the study calls for more robust government action, including subsidies on clean energy, improved supply chains, expanded fuel access, and the integration of clean cooking into national health and climate strategies.

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Collaboration between government, the private sector, and development partners will be essential to driving progress and making clean cooking one of the most cost-effective ways to address Nigeria's interconnected climate, health, and economic challenges.

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The researchers noted that the findings align with Nigeria's existing climate commitments and energy transition plans, positioning clean cooking as a scalable tool to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and enhance household welfare.