DG ECN Approves Committee for Clean Cooking Programme

The Director-General/CEO of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, has approved the formation of a technical committee dedicated to the Clean Cooking Programme. This decision was made following a meeting with a team from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) at the Commission's Headquarters.

The committee will focus on developing an implementation strategy for the Clean Cooking Programme, devising a comprehensive communication and advocacy plan, and preparing a memorandum for the upcoming Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting. Additionally, it will draft a briefing note and a letter to the President regarding the Clean Cooking facility and formulate a detailed roadmap document for the programme. The ECN will serve as the central coordinating body for this initiative.

The internal members of the committee include:

Dr Izuchukwu Okafor, Director, NCERD Enugu (Chairman of the Committee); Mr Tijjani Ahmed, CSO, EUM V; Dr Usman Ndaceko, CSO, EPPA; Mr Joshua Overy Steadfast, ACSO, RE; Mr. Nathan Awuaplia, ACSO, EPPA; Dr. Habib Yusuf, PSO, ETL.

The external members are:

Dr Geoffrey Omedo, Technical Specialist – Climate and Energy Finance (UNDP); Miss Ure Utah, Technical Advisor to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology; Mr Olamide Fagbuji, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Climate (Technology & Operations).

Dr. Geoffrey Omedo from UNDP expressed enthusiasm for partnering with the ECN, highlighting the potential for alternative energy solutions such as biogas and biofuel. Dr Abdullahi stressed the project's urgency, noting that the committee should have its implementation documents ready within two weeks.

During his recent visits to Abu Dhabi and Tanzania, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR also emphasised that clean cooking is essential for sustainable development and economic growth. His remarks highlighted the critical role that clean cooking plays in advancing Nigeria's development objectives and overall progress.