Lagos government, firm unveil Africa’s first subnational carbon exchange
In a defining moment for Nigeria’s climate and economic future, GreenPlinth Africa and Lagos State Government have reiterated their commitment to integrating economic prosperity with global sustainability goals, marking a transformative shift that merges climate action with economic development.
The reaffirmation was given, yesterday, during a media briefing held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos,with a focus on “Clean Cooking Access for Africa: Leaving No One Behind,”
The transformative initiative aims to address Nigeria’s clean cooking needs while positioning the country at the forefront of the global carbon compliance market.
The event highlighted the ambitious vision behind the 80M Clean Cookstoves Project, the world’s largest clean cooking initiative. The project is set to deploy 80 million highly efficient, clean cookstoves across Nigeria, generating over 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon offsets, and creating over 3.5 million green jobs.
It also promises to alleviate the heavy reliance on wood, charcoal, and kerosene, offering a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable alternative. President & CEO of GreenPlinth Africa, Dr Olawale Akinwumi, described the launch of the 80m Clean Cookstoves Project as a historic step that would position Nigeria at the forefront of compliance carbon markets under the UNFCCC’s Article 6.4ER framework. He emphasised that the project is designed to improve the health and well-being of women and children.
According to Akinwumi, the organisation’s leadership is a driving force behind the effort, while sharing his excitement about Nigeria’s unprecedented position in the compliance carbon market.
Lagos State Governor, represented at the event by the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, stated that Africa can no longer afford to be sidelined in the global carbon economy.
Lagos State, he said, would set a new standard for subnational governments across Africa and the Global South, pioneering green investments, decarbonising public assets, and fostering a self-sustaining green economy.
He described the initiative not just as an environmental commitment but as a strategic approach to sustainable infrastructure, clean energy projects, and long-term economic resilience.
The governor called for bold collaboration between government agencies, private sector stakeholders, development institutions, and civil society.
Meanwhile, the project’s implementation phase will kick off in June 2025, with the first batch of clean cookstoves set for distribution in Makoko. Sanwo-Olu commended Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi of the Office of Climate Change & Circular Economy and the Ministry of Economic Planning & Budget for their leadership in driving the transformative initiative.
He also applauded GreenPlinth Africa for its forward-thinking approach to climate adaptation, which balances local needs with Africa’s broader socio-economic growth.
