…Pilot distribution in Makoko
WED JULY 02 2025-theGBJournal| The Lagos State Government has officially commenced the pilot distribution of clean cookstoves, starting with 12 beneficiaries from the Makoko community, marking the first phase of Nigeria’s ambitious 80 million Clean Cookstove Initiative.
Held on Monday at the B.O.S Hall, LTV Complex, Alausa, Ikeja, the event represents a major milestone in the nationwide programme, which aims to improve health outcomes, promote environmental sustainability, and tackle energy poverty across all 36 states and the FCT.
Speaking at the event, the Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ope George described the initiative as “the first spark of a transformative movement.”
“Lagos State has been allocated 8 million cookstoves under this national scheme, registered with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and we are proud to take the lead in implementation,” George said.
“This pilot effort is intentional. We are starting where the impact is needed most – in communities like Makoko, which bear the brunt of energy poverty and climate vulnerability.”
Charging the beneficiaries to embrace their role in the historic project, he added: “You are the first ambassadors of this important journey. Your feedback, your experience, and your advocacy will shape how this programme scales across Lagos. You are not just recipients of a cooking device – you are agents of environmental change in your communities.”
The initiative, he noted, aligns with the THEMES Plus agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, which envisions a smart, green, inclusive, and resilient Lagos
In her welcome remarks, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi underscored the collaborative effort behind the initiative, describing the launch as “a declaration that we are listening to the people, building strong partnerships, and rolling out sustainable, inclusive solutions.”
“This is the first official distribution of cookstoves under the 80 million national initiative. We are starting with 12 beneficiaries from Makoko, selected from an initial data pool of 100. This pilot is just the beginning of a larger rollout that will reach thousands of households across the state,” she said.
She noted that the 8 million cookstoves allocated to Lagos will be delivered directly to households in target communities, particularly those that rely on firewood for cooking.
Technical partner for the project, GreenPlinth Africa, led by its CEO, Mr. Olawale Akinwunmi introduced one of the first beneficiaries, Abiodun, who had already used the stove and testified to its speed, cleanliness, and safety.
Akinwunmi also announced that beneficiaries would be enrolled to receive a monthly stipend of ₦10,000 for the next 15 years. They will also enjoy access to free medical care through the Lagos State Health Management Agency (LASHMA), starting from August, provided documentation is completed in July.
He addressed concerns from firewood sellers, saying, “We are not driving anyone out of business. Rather, we are helping wood traders transition to selling briquettes – a cleaner, safer alternative.”
The Makoko residents who received cookstoves include: Agban Modinat, Vivian Etekpo, Ajayi Modupe, Gandotoho Hannah, Abubakar Salamatu, Amaka Edeh, Tanti Abel, Bose Hunyeme, Bidemi Abiodun, Alice Kokotu, Whenou Mardine, and Chinaga Obaje.
With the pilot distribution now underway, the Lagos State Government is calling on development partners, private investors, and donors to support the full-scale rollout and expansion of clean energy access across Nigeria’s most populous state.
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