The Lagos State government, through the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, and GreenPlinth Africa, a Pan-African green solutions corporation, have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the distribution of 80 million clean cookstoves projects.
Mr. Ope George, The state Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, and the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy, recently described the MoU as a strategic step toward enhancing environmental sustainability and public health, particularly in underserved communities.
George explained that the partnership “is more than just a formal agreement—it is a strategic leap forward in our quest to build a greener, healthier, and more inclusive Lagos.”
According to him: “80 million Clean Cookstove Initiative represents a transformational opportunity to improve the lives of millions—especially women and children—by promoting clean energy access, reducing harmful air pollution, and curbing deforestation across vulnerable communities.”
Beyond its clear health and environmental benefits, the commissioner added, the initiative is also an economic catalyst.
He said that with over 35 million green jobs projected and the launch of Africa’s first subnational carbon exchange in Lagos, the state is setting the pace for climate-smart governance and sustainable development on the continent.
George stated that the state’s “collaboration with GreenPlinth reflects the THEMES++ Agenda in action—unlocking innovation, driving investment, and prioritizing people.”
He reaffirmed the state’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and delivering lasting impact, as Lagos leads as the anchor state.
Special Adviser on Climate Change & Circular Economy (OCCE), Titilayo Oshodi, in her opening address, said the project, themed: “Clean Cooking Access for Africa: Leaving No One Behind,” is a defining moment in Nigeria’s climate and economic transformation.
According to Oshodi, the Project Advisory Board will be chaired by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, with his Niger State counterpart, Mohammed Umar Bago of (The Farmer Governor) as Deputy Chairman, supported by six Vice Chairpersons from Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and private sector, developmental, NGO, and CSO leaders.
She said that the climate initiative, which is the launch of a historic, game-changing project, will place Nigeria at the forefront of the compliance carbon markets under UNFCCC’s Article 6.4ER framework.
She said that the initiative is largest clean cooking initiative in the world, and a bold economic, social, and environmental blueprint that will deploy 80 million highly efficient, clean cookstoves across Nigeria; generate 1.2 billion tonnes of compliance carbon offsets; create over 35 million green jobs; establish a forex-denominated, sovereign green endowment fund for sustainable development; improve the health and well-being of millions, especially women and children.
According to Oshodi, “This project is rooted in Nigeria’s pioneering work under CDM2711, a UNFCCC-registered clean cookstove initiative that demonstrated improved cooking technology’s economic and climate benefits.”
She said that the initiative is to scale up the legacy with an ambitious plan to provide free clean cook stoves to vulnerable households across Nigeria, ensuring lasting economic and social transformation.
She announced that as anchor and gateway for compliance carbon market leadership, Lagos will serve as the state for the transformative project.
Oshodi added that Lagos will spearhead the deployment of the first six million free clean cookstoves, with distribution set to commence in June 2025, starting in Makoko.
