The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has officially commended the Abia State Government following the launch of the Abia State Clean Cooking Plan, calling it a landmark move toward environmental sustainability and public health.
In the statement released, FENRAD Executive Director Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor praised the state’s Ministry of Environment and the Department of Climate Change for their strategic leadership in developing the framework. The organization described the plan as a visionary response to the triple threats of climate change, environmental degradation, and energy poverty.
A central goal of the initiative is to transition households away from traditional cooking methods that contribute heavily to indoor air pollution and deforestation. FENRAD highlighted that this shift is a critical intervention for protecting vulnerable groups, specifically women and children, who suffer disproportionately from the respiratory health risks associated with wood-smoke exposure.
The plan was developed with technical support from the International Centre for Energy, Environment and Development (ICEED). FENRAD noted that this partnership ensured the policy is evidence-based and inclusive, while remaining strictly aligned with Nigeria’s National Clean Cooking Plan and the Federal Ministry of Environment’s directives. This alignment is expected to enhance policy coherence and attract the necessary support for long-term implementation.
Beyond energy, the advocacy group emphasized that clean cooking is a cross-cutting development priority. By adopting a multi-stakeholder approach, the state is addressing broader issues including gender equity, climate mitigation, and economic empowerment for rural and urban dwellers alike. 
Reaffirming its commitment to climate justice, FENRAD pledged to support the Ministry of Environment through community advocacy and policy monitoring. However, the organization cautioned that the success of the plan will rely on sustained political will, adequate financing, and robust institutional collaboration to ensure that the benefits reach households across the state.
FENRAD expressed confidence that a successful rollout will strengthen Abia’s climate resilience and pave the way for a healthier, more sustainable future for its citizens.
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