The Lagos State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with GreenPlinth Africa, a Pan-African green solutions corporation, for the distribution of 80 million clean cookstoves in Nigeria.
The government said it was part of its commitment to clean energy transition.
At a news conference on Monday, June 2, 2025, in Lagos, Mr. Ope George, the state Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, described the MoU as a strategic step toward enhancing environmental sustainability and public health, particularly in underserved communities.
“This 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.
“Lagos State, as the anchor state, will ensure that we continue to build a sustainable clean environment for residents,” George said.
The commissioner said that the initiative, anchored by the state, aimed to reduce harmful indoor air pollution, promote clean energy access, and tackle deforestation.
“The project will particularly benefit women and children who are most affected by traditional cooking methods,” he said.
George emphasised the economic prospects of the programme, citing projections of over 35 million green jobs and the forthcoming inauguration of Africa’s first subnational carbon exchange to be domiciled in Lagos.
“We are not only addressing climate and health challenges; we are also catalysing economic transformation,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the clean cookstove initiative aligned with the THEMES Plus Agenda of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, which prioritised innovation, investment and people-oriented policies.
“Nothing beats having a visionary leader at the helms of affair, this would not have been achievable without unwavering support of the governor.
“I would also like to acknowledge the contributions of the Mrs. Titi Oshodi, Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy, as well as the Implementation Working Group, for their commitment to driving the project.
“Together, we are not just implementing a project we are shaping the future of Nigeria’s climate and economic resilience,” George added.
Oshodi in her remarks, said that Lagos State would serve as the anchor for the project, leading the first phase of deployment.
She said that six million clean cookstoves would be distributed free of charge across vulnerable communities in Lagos, starting from Makoko, in June.
According to Oshodi, the initiative is a scaled-up version of Nigeria’s earlier success under UNFCCC’s CDM2711 programme, and would be critical to meeting the country’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
“Lagos is not just a participant in this revolution; it is the gateway.
”The THEMES Plus Agenda aligns perfectly with the project’s vision, unlocking over one billion dollar in green revenue over 15 years for infrastructure, social welfare and climate resilience,” she said.
She said that, as part of the implementation, a robust governance framework was unveiled, including formation of a project advisory board chaired by Lagos State Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, with Niger State Gov. Mohammed Umar Bago as Deputy Chairman.
Oshodi also announced that she would lead the Project Compliance Team to ensure regulatory adherence and stakeholder engagement across federal and subnational levels.
Oshodi revealed that Lagos would inaugurate the continent’s first subnational carbon exchange, the Lagos Carbon Exchange (LCX), in June.
“LCX will position Lagos alongside California as a global hub for compliance carbon trading; this is not theory; this is implementation. We are ready,” she said.
According to Oshodi, each of the 57 local government areas and local council development areas of Lagos State would receive one billion naira annually for local green development.
She said that communities to benefit would enjoy projects such as renewable energy for micro small and medium enterprises, climate-smart health centres and health insurance.
“We are taking a bottom-up approach to green growth, climate literacy, and social impact; this is about real benefits, reaching real people in real time,” the special adviser said.
She said that the project was backed by the Nigerian Climate Change Council and supported by the Presidential Committee on Economic and Financial Inclusion, with further endorsements expected from international development and private sector partners.
Oshodi, therefore, urged stakeholders across the public and private sectors to support the initiative and project Nigeria’s climate leadership at the global stage.
“The world is watching. Let us showcase Nigeria’s bold, transformative climate leadership. Join us, partner with us, and let us make history together,” she said.
In his remarks, the representative of Greenplinth Africa, Mr. Adebola Odunsi, thanked the state government for the collaboration to ensure a cleaner environment.
By Aderonke Ojediran