LAGOS GOES GREEN! 80 MILLION COOKSTOVES TO CUT POLLUTION, CREATE 35M JOBS

 ...To begin free distribution of first 6 million stoves this month, June

 

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget on Monday launched a bold new initiative – the 80 Million Credit Float Project – aimed at tackling climate change, boosting the economy, and improving lives across Nigeria.

 

This initiative, a partnership with GreenPlinth Africa will roll out eco-friendly loans to people and create 35 million jobs, while also improving health, especially for women and children.  

 

The Project Advisory Board of the initiative is chaired by Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his Niger State counterpart, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago as Deputy Chairman, supported by six Vice Chairpersons from Nigeria’s geopolitical zones and private sector, developmental, NGO, and CSO leaders.

 

During the launch held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Secretariat in Alausa, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George said the partnership aligns with the Lagos State’s THEMES+ agenda and demonstrates Lagos’ leadership in driving climate-smart solutions that prioritize people, innovation, and sustainability. 

 

Mr George said the initiative is expected to benefit millions by expanding access to clean cooking technologies and reducing indoor air pollution.

 

His words, “The program serves as an economic catalyst, with projections of over 35 million green jobs and the upcoming launch of Africa’s first subnational carbon exchange in Lagos.

 

“This partnership is more than an agreement, it is a strategic step towards a cleaner, healthier, and more inclusive Lagos. 

Picture L-R: Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titi Oshodi; Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB), Mr. Ope George and the Permanent Secretary of MEPB, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo Odunsi during a media briefing on the 80million Clean Cookstoves Project and Inauguration of the Lagos State Working Group, held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Secretariat, Alausa in Ikeja on Monday.

“Together with GreenPlinth Africa, we are not just implementing a project—we are shaping the future of climate and economic resilience in Nigeria,” Mr George said.

Earlier in her opening address, Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titi Oshodi stated that the initiative would generate 1.2 million carbon credits, bringing in over $1 billion in revenue over 15 years to support infrastructure, social programs, and climate projects.

 

The Special Adviser, who also heads the Project Compliance Team said that Lagos State being the anchor and gateway for Compliance Carbon Market Leadership “will spearhead the deployment of the first 6 million free clean cookstoves, with distribution set to commence in June 2025, starting in Makoko.”

 

She added "the project will set up free clean food stores for families in need, promote the use of clean cooking technologies to improve health and reduce harmful emissions.

 

"It will support job creation through new green businesses and local projects, provide renewable energy for small businesses and health insurance for families as well as pay households ₦10,000 yearly through a “Pay-to-Cook” program when they use clean cooking methods," she said.

Picture L-R: President/CEO of GreenPlinth Africa, Dr. Olawale Akinwunmi; Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titi Oshodi; Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB), Mr. Ope George and the Permanent Secretary of MEPB, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo during a media briefing on the 80million Clean Cookstoves Project and Inauguration of the Lagos State Working Group, held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Secretariat, Alausa in Ikeja on Monday.

Mrs Oshodi further stated that Lagos will also launch the Lagos Carbon Exchange (LCX) – the first subnational carbon trading market in Africa, and only the second in the world outside of California.

 

According to her, "the new platform will help Lagos earn money by trading carbon credits, which can be reinvested in clean energy, transportation, healthcare, and job creation.”       

The Special Adviser said through the ‘80M Clean Cookstoves Project’ using a bottom-up approach, "the project will allocate ₦1 billion each year to all 57 local councils in Lagos for green development, deploy five sustainable projects per year across 1,000 communities, provide health insurance coverage for each beneficiary household and also create 400 Million Economic trees to fight food insecurity and deforestation," she said.

Picture L-R: President/CEO of GreenPlinth Africa, Dr. Olawale Akinwunmi; Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titi Oshodi; Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget (MEPB), Mr. Ope George; Permanent Secretary of MEPB, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo and the Chief Transformation Officer/Project Manager, GreenPlinth Africa, Dr. Adebola Odunsi during a media briefing on the 80million Clean Cookstoves Project and Inauguration of the Lagos State Working Group, held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, the Secretariat, Alausa in Ikeja on Monday.

The State Working Committee and Internal Working Committee were inaugurated at the media briefing which had in attendance, Commissioners: Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Mrs. Cecilia Dada; Mrs. Folashade Kaosarat Bada-Ambrose (Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade & Investment); Mr. Biodun Ogunleye (Energy & Mineral Resources); Prof. Akin Abayomi (Health).

 

Special Adviser to the Governor on the Environment, Mr. Olakunle Rotimi-Akodu; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Olayinka Ojo; President of GreenPlinth Africa, Dr. Olawale Akinwunmi ; the Chief Transformation Officer/Project Manager, Dr. Adebola Odunsi, amongst others.