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By Chinyere Anyanwu
In a bold push for cleaner energy and environmental sustainability, the federal government is set to distribute free clean cookstoves to 80 million Nigerians, alongside a N10,000 monthly incentive. The initiative aims to reduce indoor air pollution, curb deforestation and promote the widespread adoption of eco-friendly cooking solutions across the country.
This was revealed by the President and Chief Executive Officer of GreenPlinth Africa, Dr. Olawale Akinwumi, during the opening ceremony of the project implementation retreat in Lagos on Tuesday, themed: “Clean Cooking Access for Africa: Leaving No One Behind.”
In his speech, Dr. Akinwumi described the project as a game-changer that will “Place Nigeria at the forefront of the compliance carbon markets under UNFCCC’s Article 6.4ER framework.”
He noted that the 80m PACM (Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism) Clean Cookstoves Project, apart from being the largest clean cooking initiative in the world, is a bold economic, social and environmental blueprint that will deploy 80 million highly efficient, clean cookstoves across Nigeria, generate a minimum 1.2 billion tonnes of compliance carbon offsets; create over 3.5 million green jobs; establish a forex-denominated, sovereign green endowment fund for sustainable development.
and improve the health and well-being of millions, especially women and children.”
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The GreenPlinth Africa president announced that for optimal achievement of the project, which will be in phases, Lagos State will be the starting point followed by Niger State while other states will be reached later. He said the initiative will commence in June 2025 in the Makoko area of Lagos.
According to him, “the project is more than just a carbon initiative – it is a social impact revolution. Through this project, we will allocate N750 million annually to each of Lagos’ 57 LGAs/LCDAs for green development; deploy seven sustainable projects per year across 750 communities, including free renewable energy for MSMEs, climate-smart health facilities, health insurance coverage for each beneficiary household,” in addition to N10,000 monthly reward to beneficiaries.
Akinwumi stated that 300 million economic trees to combat deforestation and food insecurity would be planted within the 30 years lifespan of the project.
In his address at the occasion, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was ably represented by Mr. Bode Agoro, said the initiative is a crucial step in positioning Lagos as a leader in clean energy access and climate finance innovations across Africa.
The governor termed the project as “a groundbreaking effort that transcends environmental impact to drive economic growth and accelerate social development,” adding that it will “unlock multi-billion dollar green revenue streams and create 35 million green jobs over its lifespan. Lagos State will serve as the anchor, distributing six million clean cookstoves at no cost to beneficiaries through the Office of Climate Change and Circular Economy.”
He further explained that, “the project will address climate-induced socio-economic challenges by improving health outcomes and economic conditions for millions.”
