FG Commences Distribution of N5bn Smoke-free Cooking Stoves

Jaiyeola Andrews in Abuja

The federal government on Tuesday commenced the distribution of
N5 billion smoke-free cooking stoves meant for rural women across
the country.
The stove was launched at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa
by the Vice-President, Alhaji Namadi Sambo.
At the launch, he said the stoves would in no small measure reduce
desertification in the country.
Sambo equally noted that the stoves would boost job creation and
reduce smoke related diseases among the rural women.
“One of the important global problems today is environmental
problem. And desertification in Nigeria is one of our major
environmental problems. And as a result, one of the major causes is
this problem of cutting the trees and using the wood as a source of
energy for cooking.
“This idea then came up to have alternative cooking device for our
women. So, this programme, which Mr. President has graciously
approved for the initial take off under the Environmental Ministry
with the sum of N9 billion to procure these cooking utensils and
distribute it all over the country to our women.
“And by so doing, contributes to stopping the usage of trees for
firewood for cooking. In addition to that, it has added the value of
saving women from inhaling the smoke, which is responsible for the
yearly death of about 90,000 women.
“We believe this is a very important contribution towards arresting
desertification in Nigeria” the vice-president said.
The Minister of Environment, Mrs. Laraba Malam, said only 15 per
cent of N5 billion amounting to N1.3 billion had been paid to the
contractor for all the supplies so far made.
“We have only paid 15 per cent to the contractor and he has
supplied. There is no controversy about the cost of the contract.
The truth is that Mr. President and the Federal Executive Council
(FEC) approved N9 billion for 750,000 pieces of the clean stove.
“Meanwhile N5 billion was released to the ministry and following
due process they gave him 15 per cent, which is N1.3 billion and he
has supplied. So no controversy here,” she noted.
The minister stressed that the stoves will be distributed through the
Ministry of Environment in every state of the federation and the local
governments.
On whether there will be continuity on the project under the
incoming government, she said: “I don’t see any government
terminating it. I want to believe that the incoming government will
continue because government is all about continuity.”
The prices of the stoves locally assembled in Nigeria ranges
between N3,000 and N36,000.