In another landmark move to combat energy poverty and empower Nigerian women through clean energy, the Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, FSI, today inaugurated the Steering Committee for the Nigerian Women LPG Scale-Up and Empowerment Initiative. The inauguration ceremony took place at the Ministry’s Conference Room and marked a pivotal step in the country’s drive towards sustainable energy and gender-inclusive economic growth under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
The Minister, in her inspiring address, described the initiative as a strategic intervention that places women at the forefront of Nigeria’s clean energy transition. “We are here to catalyse a shift,” she declared. “A shift from reliance on traditional cooking fuels to a future of clean, efficient energy – with women as creators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in this revolution.”
Highlighting the grim realities of energy poverty, Sulaiman-Ibrahim cited alarming figures: nearly 30 million households still depend on wood for cooking, and over 77,000 lives are lost annually to household air pollution, predominantly affecting women and children.
“This is not just about cooking fuel,” the Minister emphasized. “This is about health. About climate action. About economic freedom. And above all, about dignity.”
The Steering Committee will serve as the engine room for this national agenda, tasked with designing a comprehensive roadmap for LPG adoption, coordinating stakeholder partnerships, mobilizing resources, upskilling women for clean energy entrepreneurship, and ensuring widespread access to safe, efficient LPG equipment.
The initiative aligns with Nigeria’s broader climate goals including Net Zero emissions by 2060, Sustainable Development Goal 7 (Energy Access), and the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). It also reflects commitments under the National Gender Policy, Beijing+30, and CEDAW frameworks.
Hon. Sulaiman-Ibrahim called on the committee members to act boldly and swiftly: “We already have the blueprint. What we need now is execution. Your work begins today, and I am confident that together, we can make a massive difference.”
The event was attended by committee members, Staff in the Ministry, development partners, civil society stakeholders, and officials from across the energy and gender empowerment sectors.
Signed
EmemMARIA Offiong, anipr
AD HEAD OF PRESS, INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS
