FG approves N9bn for free distribution of clean cookstove, wonderbags

In a bid to reduce pressure on forest resources caused by indiscriminate felling of trees which leads to deforestation and desertification, the Federal Government has approved N9 billion for the distribution of 750,000 clean cookstoves and 18,000 wonderbags.

The stoves and wonderbags which are meant for women in the rural areas are to be distributed under the National Clean Cooking Scheme (NCCS) which seeks to stem the use of solid fossils like firewood and charcoal for cooking which has adverse effects on the users.

The NCCS aims to provide 20 million clean cookstoves through-out the country in five years. That is the distribution of at least 4 million clean cookstoves across the six-geo-political zones per annum.

The scheme also seeks to reduce incessant felling of trees which exposes the country to ecological problems. Furthermore, the advantage for Nigeria switching over to this technology by the rural households is the carbon credits arising from the registration by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The country stands to gain 50 percent subsidy of the price through the generated carbon credits.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) had said research has showed that Nigeria tops the list with about 10 percent of women that suffer various ailments from the use of firewood for cooking.

Following a memo by Laurentia Mallam, the minister of environment, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the free distribution of 750,000 clean stoves and wonderbags across the nation.

The wonderbag is a non-electric slow cooker designed by the Durban, South Africa-based eco-entrepreneur Sarah Collins of Natural Balance. She came up with the idea six years ago during a power cut, when she decided to keep her dinner cooking by surrounding the pan with cushions.

According to scientists, each wonderbag can prevent the emission of half a ton of carbon dioxide a year, and could save a poor family a tenth of their income by cutting fuel costs.

The principle is simple: heat your food to boiling point for a few minutes on the stove in a normal saucepan, pop on its lid, then transfer to the bag.

Mallam explained that in distributing the stoves and wonderbags, women who registered and bought fertiliser through the e-wallet system will be considered first. She said about 2 million are currently on that database and the stoves will be distributed in batches to them. The minister added that all women groups in the country will be involved in the distribution to ensure that there is equitable distribution.
After deliberations, council approved that the stoves be locally assembled so as to provide jobs for Nigerians amongst other benefits.
Council also unanimously ratified the president’s anticipatory approval for the contract in favour of Messrs Integra Renewable Energy Services Limited in the sum of N9,287,250,000.00 inclusive of VAT, with a delivery period of 12 weeks.
Council also approved N60 billion for the award of contract for the provision of engineering infrastructure to Kyami District, Zone C, Abuja.