France helps Nigeria fight climate change,  agency introduces smokeless stoves in FCT

The French Development Agency (AFD) and the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria has inaugurated a new powerstove in Kuje Area Council of the FCT.

Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Ms Emmanuelle Blatmann, stated on Wednesday that the stoves would enhance economic development and contribute to the fight against climate change.

“The project is another Team Europe initiative here in Nigeria and it important to France.

“It symbolises our support to Nigeria in various areas including access to clean and affordable cooking solutions,’’ She stated.

According to her, the stove does not emit smoke and burns about 70 per cent less biomass than traditional cooking methods, so it will help to address issues of climate change.

The project leader of the Powerestove company, Okey Esse, said in the statement that the stove also produces electricity, which could be stored in a battery or used directly to charge small appliances.

“In Nigeria low income families spend more than 25 per cent on fuel for cooking and lighting and suffer from smoke-related health problems.

“With support from AFD, we are able to increase our clean cooking solution for Nigerian households.

Deputy Director of AFD in Nigeria, Mahamadou Diarra, said AFD was pleased to support the project as it would help in enhancing, economic and social development in Nigeria with special focus on women and youths.