…Minister: Pledges that women will be involved in all stages of climate action
By Frank Momoh
The Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has commended the Presidential Committee on Gas Transition for their commitment to promoting clean energy solutions and for recognizing the significant roles of women in achieving Nigeria’s energy transition goals.
During a session with the Minister on Friday in Abuja, by the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Gas Transition, Prof. Mohammed Ibrahim, the Minister expressed the Ministry’s readiness to partner with the Committee towards ensuring that more women, especially those in rural communities, benefit from clean cooking initiatives.
She said: “We are committed to supporting this agenda because it directly aligns with our mandate to improve the socio-economic and health conditions of Nigerian women.
“Providing access to clean cooking solutions is a critical step toward reducing energy poverty and empowering women across the country,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim, said.
On his part, Professor Ibrahim stated the committee is focused on improving access to clean energy solutions that will positively impact women’s health, livelihoods, and well-being.
He highlighted the critical need to transition Nigerian households from traditional cooking methods, such as firewood and charcoal, to clean cooking technologies powered by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and other sustainable energy sources.
He noted that women and children are the most affected by the health risks associated with traditional cooking practices, including respiratory diseases caused by prolonged exposure to harmful smoke.
“Clean cooking is not just an environmental or economic issue; it is a health and social justice issue. Nigerian women, especially those in rural areas, deserve access to safer and more sustainable cooking methods that will improve their quality of life,” Prof. Ibrahim stated during his presentation.
He also emphasized that transitioning to clean cooking will reduce deforestation, improve household air quality, and create economic opportunities for women in the clean energy sector.
Both parties agreed on the need for collaborative efforts to accelerate the adoption of clean cooking technologies and to raise awareness of the health and economic benefits of clean energy solutions for women and their families.
In another development, the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. James Eze, in a statement, quoted the Minister as saying that all stages of climate action planning, implementation must include women.
The statement said: “Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has proposed that every stages of Climate Action Planning and implementation must include women not only because they are victims of climate change but also key solution providers in combating its impacts.”
According to Eze, the Minister made the disclosure on Friday during a meeting with the Director General (DG) of the National Council on Climate Change, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, who also highlighted the critical link between climate change and its impact on women during a courtesy visit.
The minister emphasized that climate change is a priority issue for the Ministry, noting that women must be involved in every stage of climate action planning and implementation.
“Women are key stakeholders in the fight against climate change. We must ensure that their voices are heard, and their unique perspectives are incorporated into national climate strategies.” Sulaiman-Ibrahim said.
She assured the Director General of the Ministry’s commitment to working with the National Council on Climate Change to empower women as agents of change in building a more sustainable and climate-resilient Nigeria.
Both parties agreed on the need to strengthen partnerships to ensure that women are not only protected from the adverse impacts of climate change but are also empowered to contribute to sustainable climate solution.
Maduekwe, stressed that women are among the most affected by climate-related challenges, particularly in rural areas where they rely heavily on natural resources for their livelihoods. She emphasized that women are not only victims of climate change but also key solution providers in combating its impacts.
“Climate change affects women disproportionately, but it also presents an opportunity for women to be at the forefront of sustainable solutions. Women are natural resource managers, caregivers, and community leaders. They have the capacity to drive climate resilience initiatives if given the necessary support and resources.” Maduekwe stated.
She called for increased collaboration between the National Council on Climate Change and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to develop gender-responsive climate policies and programs that will empower women to lead climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
