Lagos State Government, yesterday, said that it would begin the distribution of six million clean cookstoves this month as part of efforts to build a greener, healthier, and more inclusive state.

It disclosed this during a media briefing to announce the 80 million clean cookstoves distribution project in Nigeria and signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Lagos State government and Greenplinth.

The state’s Commissioner for Economic Planning & Budget, Ope George, said that the partnership was more than just a formal agreement, but also a strategic leap in the quest to build a greener, healthier, and more inclusive state.

“The 80 million clean cookstoves initiative represents a transformational opportunity to improve the lives of millions—especially women and children—by promoting clean energy access, reducing harmful air pollution, and curbing deforestation across vulnerable communities.

“Beyond its clear health and environmental benefits, this initiative is also an economic catalyst. With over 35 million green jobs projected and the launch of Africa’s first subnational carbon exchange right here in Lagos, we are setting the pace for climate-smart governance and sustainable development on the continent.

“Our collaboration with GreenPlinth reflects the THEMES++ agenda in action—unlocking innovation, driving investment, and prioritising people. And as Lagos leads as the anchor state, we reaffirm our commitment to transparency, accountability, and delivering lasting impact.”

Also speaking, Special Adviser on Climate Change and Circular Economy to the Governor, Titilayo Oshodi, said that Lagos would serve as the anchor state for the transformative project, adding that in partnership with the Office of the Special Adviser on Climate Change & Circular Economy (OCCE) and the Ministry of Economic Planning & Budget (MEPB), Lagos will spearhead the deployment of the first six million free clean cookstoves, with distribution set to begin in June 2025, starting in Makoko.

She stated that the clean cookstove project is not just the largest clean cooking initiative in the world; it is a bold economic, social, and environmental blueprint that will deploy 80 million highly efficient, clean cookstoves across Nigeria, generate 1.2 billion tonnes of compliance carbon offsets, create over 35 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.

“This project is rooted in Nigeria’s pioneering work under CDM2711, a UNFCCC-registered clean cookstove initiative that demonstrated improved cooking technology’s economic and climate benefits. Today, we scale up that legacy with an ambitious plan to provide free clean cookstoves to vulnerable households across Nigeria, ensuring lasting economic and social transformation,” she further said.