Greenplinth Africa has embarked on an ambitious clean cookstove initiative, aiming to distribute six million free clean cookstoves in Lagos as a pilot phase. This initiative is a part of a larger national project, which will eventually see the deployment of 80 million clean cookstoves across Nigeria. The project’s magnitude reflects its overarching goal to address a multitude of interconnected challenges, from climate change and public health to economic development and job creation. This initiative leverages the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (PACM), positioning it as a significant player in the global carbon market and aligning with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The project’s multifaceted approach aims to achieve significant positive impacts on both the environment and the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria.
The 80 million clean cookstoves project is not merely an environmental initiative but a comprehensive program designed to generate substantial social and economic benefits. Dr. Olawale Akinwumi, President/CEO of Greenplinth Africa, described the project as a “historic game-changing project” that will position Nigeria at the forefront of compliance carbon markets. The project is projected to generate a minimum of 1.2 billion tonnes of compliance carbon offset, offering significant economic opportunities through the carbon market. Beyond its environmental and economic benefits, the project also addresses pressing social issues. By providing cleaner cooking solutions, it aims to improve the health of millions, particularly women and children, who are disproportionately affected by indoor air pollution from traditional cooking methods. Furthermore, the project’s focus on job creation, with an estimated creation of over 3.5 million green jobs, positions it as a driver of sustainable economic growth.
The implementation of such a large-scale project necessitates robust monitoring and verification mechanisms. To ensure transparency and accountability, Greenplinth Africa is collaborating with Carbon AI of Canada and the Lagos State Government. This partnership will ensure the project adheres to the highest standards of Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV). The involvement of these organizations will contribute to the credibility of the project, particularly in the context of international carbon markets. The collaboration with Lagos State also signifies the importance of subnational governments in driving climate action and achieving national climate goals. The project’s success in Lagos will serve as a valuable case study for other states and potentially for other countries looking to implement similar initiatives.
The Lagos State Government has expressed strong support for the project, recognizing its alignment with the state’s broader climate action agenda. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu highlighted the significance of the project, emphasizing its potential to transform Lagos into a hub for green investments and sustainable development. The establishment of Africa’s first Subnational Carbon Exchange in Lagos, in partnership with Greenplinth Africa, further underscores the state’s commitment to leading the way in climate action. This exchange will facilitate the trading of carbon credits generated by the clean cookstove project and other low-carbon initiatives, attracting investment and driving innovation in the green economy. The exchange is expected to serve as a model for other states and regions in Africa and globally, demonstrating the viability of subnational carbon markets.
The project’s success hinges on its ability to secure widespread adoption of the clean cookstoves. Beyond the initial distribution of free cookstoves, the project will need to ensure long-term usage and address potential barriers to adoption, such as affordability and accessibility for communities across Nigeria. The creation of a forex-denominated green endowment fund for sustainable development signals a long-term commitment to supporting the project and ensuring its sustainability. This fund will likely play a critical role in financing ongoing operations, including the distribution of cookstoves, maintenance, and community engagement activities. It also provides a mechanism for reinvesting the economic benefits generated by the carbon offset into further sustainable development initiatives.
The 80 million clean cookstoves project represents a significant step towards achieving Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement. It is the first initiative in over 12 years to receive an endorsement from the Nigerian Climate Change Council, highlighting its national importance. The successful implementation of this project has the potential to serve as a blueprint for other developing countries seeking to address climate change while simultaneously improving public health and driving sustainable economic development. The project’s integrated approach, combining environmental, social, and economic benefits, positions it as a potential model for large-scale climate action initiatives globally. The long-term success of the project will depend on continued collaboration between government, private sector partners, and local communities, ensuring that the benefits are distributed equitably and sustainably.
