In a major step toward climate leadership and sustainable development, the Lagos State Government has unveiled a bold initiative to distribute 80 million clean cookstoves across Nigeria, positioning the country at the forefront of global climate action under the Paris Agreement.
The “80 Million Clean Cookstoves Project,” billed as the largest clean cooking intervention in the world, was formally launched on Monday at a press briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja. According to the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Titilayo Oshodi, Lagos alone will receive eight million cookstoves, with the first six million units set to be distributed starting June in Makoko, one of the city’s most underserved communities.
“This is not just a clean energy project; it’s a transformative climate action plan,” Oshodi said. “The 80 million Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism Clean Cookstoves Project is aligned with Article 6.4ER of the UNFCCC and marks a bold economic, environmental, and social leap for Nigeria.”
Oshodi revealed that the initiative is expected to generate 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon credits and create more than 35 million green jobs across the country, making it not just a climate solution but a powerful tool for economic inclusion.
A Public-Private Partnership for Green Impact
The project is being implemented in collaboration with GreenPlinth Africa, with the Lagos State Government playing a leading role in mobilizing state-level action and community engagement.
Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Ope George, hailed the project as a pivotal moment in Lagos’ sustainability journey. “This initiative goes beyond infrastructure , it is about improving lives, particularly those of women and children who suffer disproportionately from indoor air pollution and deforestation,” he said.
George praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his vision and political will in advancing clean energy access and for supporting innovative partnerships that drive real impact.
“I commend the entire implementation team and our partners for their foresight and commitment. This is a significant milestone toward building a healthier, greener, and more inclusive Lagos,” he added.
The clean cookstoves project aims to drastically reduce reliance on firewood and other polluting fuels, a major source of deforestation and health problems in many Nigerian communities. Beyond its environmental benefits, the initiative is also expected to unlock revenue through carbon markets, creating sustainable funding for climate action.
