By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Despite having the ability to reduce long-term household costs, improve respiratory health, and ease pressure on the healthcare system, a study has shown that lower-income households, larger families, and communities with limited infrastructure are less likely to adopt clean cooking solutions.

The research, conducted under the C2REST Nigeria Study, a three-year programme funded by the Medical Research Foundation, tasked the government and other stakeholders on the need for targeted and inclusive policies to ensure that no group is left behind.

It suggested to the government to subsidise clean energy costs, improve supply chains, expand access to clean fuels, and integrate clean cooking into national health and climate strategies, adding that collaboration among government, the private sector, and development partners will be essential to accelerate progress.

The research emphasised that with the right policy support, clean cooking could become one of the most cost-effective ways to tackle Nigeria’s interconnected climate, health, and economic challenges.

As Nigeria experiences rapid urbanisation and rising energy demand, millions of households still rely on firewood, charcoal, and kerosene for cooking. These fuels contribute to harmful indoor air pollution and increase the risk of respiratory and other health conditions.

The study, co-led by Professor Davies Adeloye of Teesside University, UK, showed that clean cooking should not be seen simply as a household expense, but as a long-term investment.

Although cleaner energy sources such as gas and electricity may have higher upfront costs, households can save money over time through fewer illnesses, lower healthcare spending, and improved productivity.

According to Professor Adeloye, clean cooking is one of the most practical and immediate ways to improve public health while supporting economic development, noting that the issue goes beyond environmental concerns, directly affecting household finances, disease burden, and national productivity.

Business Post reports that the research was carried out in Alimosho (Lagos State) and Ado-Odo/Ota (Ogun State), two areas that reflect the realities of modern Nigeria, with fast population growth, industrial activity, and mixed-income households. This makes the findings highly relevant for many urban and peri-urban communities across the country.

It brought together experts from the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Benin, and Kenya to examine the links between climate, environment, and health in rapidly growing urban communities.

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

A gas explosion involving two heavy-duty vehicles in the Ajah area of Lagos State has left two persons dead and several properties destroyed.

The unfortunate incident occurred on Saturday and was caused by a collision between a tanker conveying gas and a tipper truck.

Though the fire that resulted from the accident has been brought under control by firefighters, the havoc it wrecked on businesses in the area remains visible.

It was gathered that some warehouses and roadside shops were burnt by the gas explosion along the Lekki-Epe Expressway at Tera Ahmed Bus Stop, Sangotedo, Lagos.

Also, the inferno consumed three Sienna buses, one Toyota Corolla car and a forklift.

“The accident, which was alerted at 02:36 wee hours Saturday, saw Lekki Phase II, Oniru and Epe II Fire Stations of the agency race to the scene after it was reported that an oncoming speeding 20-tonne tipper truck from the Epe end rammed from behind into a stationed 30-tonne gas truck that failed to pull over from the highway.

“The resultant effects culminated in fire spreading to three adjoining warehouses and 10 roadside shops, including a gym and generator house, before the fire was put out, saving a Total Petrol Filling Station, its fully loaded 33,000-litre PMS tanker and a host of properties,” a statement signed by the Controller General of the Lagos State Government Fire and Rescue Service, Ms Margaret Adeseye, said.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

In a bid to sanitise the real estate sector and boost confidence in the system, the Lagos State government has commenced a crackdown on unregistered agents, sealing the office of one in the Ikorodu area of the metropolis.

This enforcement was carried out by officials of the Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority (LASRERA) on Wednesday in conjunction with the Lagos State Task Force.

It was gathered that an operator of Demeny Ventures, who claimed to be registered with LASRERA, was apprehended during the operation.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing, Ms Barakat Odunuga-Bakare, said the clampdown forms part of the government’s ongoing efforts to sanitise the real estate sector, protect residents from fraudulent practices, and restore public confidence in property transactions.

She reiterated that only duly registered and certified practitioners by LASRERA are permitted to operate within the state, warning that individuals and organisations engaging in unlicensed real estate activities will continue to face strict enforcement actions.

According to her, the enforcement initiative comes amid rising complaints from residents who have fallen victim to fake estate agents and property developers.

“Reports indicate that fraudulent practitioners often collect money from multiple tenants for the same property or sell non-existent plots of land to unsuspecting buyers,” she said.

Ms Odunuga-Bakare further disclosed that LASRERA has strengthened its regulatory mechanisms through enhanced monitoring of real estate transactions, improved registration processes, and prompt investigation of complaints.

She added that the authority has successfully resolved numerous disputes and facilitated the recovery of funds for victims of property-related fraud through mediation and regulatory interventions.

The Special Adviser urged residents to always verify the registration status of estate agents and property developers before entering into any property transaction, while also encouraging members of the public to report suspicious activities to LASRERA for prompt action.

She reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability and professionalism within the real estate sector, noting that any individual or organisation found violating the law will be prosecuted accordingly.

Speaking at the premises of the sealed office located on Oladele Adeniji Street, off Isawo Road, Owutu Agric, Ikorodu, the Director of Compliance and Enforcement for LASRERA, Mr Deji Badejo, said the action was taken following credible intelligence on the activities of the suspect.

Mr Badejo noted that the Authority acted in accordance with the provisions of the LASRERA Law 2022 by sealing the office, pending further investigation and necessary regulatory actions.

He added that the enforcement exercise would be sustained and extended to other parts of the State, with increased focus on intelligence gathering to identify, apprehend and sanction fraudulent estate agents.