Makoko ignites a Clean Energy Revolution as Lagos launches 8 Million Cookstove rollout
Special Adviser to Governor Sanwo-Olu on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi addressing residents of Apollo Community in Makoko during the live demonstration on usage of the clean cookstove to launch the rollout of the 8million cookstoves project in Lagos. With her: CEO of Greenplinth Africa, Dr. Olawale Akinwunmi (left); State Coordinator, Greenplinth Africa, Alhaji Danmole (3rd left); Baale of Apollo Community, Makoko, Orioye Jephter Ogungbure (2nd right) and representative of Iyaloja of Makoko.
Makoko, a densely populated waterfront community in Lagos, has become the symbolic starting point for Nigeria’s nationwide rollout of clean cookstoves, an ambitious climate and public health intervention targeting 80 million households.
The initiative officially launched in Lagos on Wednesday with a live demonstration in Makoko, kicking off the distribution of approximately 8 million cookstoves allocated to the state, representing 10% of the national share.
The distribution will commence across Lagos’ 57 local government and council development areas from June 30.
Speaking at the launch, Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Climate Change and Circular Economy, explained the significance of starting in Makoko, one of Lagos’ most underserved communities.
“Makoko is the first to benefit from this new clean energy trajectory. It’s a proud moment. We’re grateful to the people of Makoko for receiving us warmly,” Oshodi said.
“Among 80 million Nigerian households targeted for this transition, Makoko leads the way.”
Oshodi noted that the project had been in development since late 2024, involving consultations, stakeholder engagement, and public sensitisation.
She also disclosed that the timing of the launch was deliberately aligned with Governor Sanwo-Olu’s 60th birthday, as a people-focused gesture to mark the milestone.
“Rather than hold elaborate ceremonies, the Governor wanted a celebration that invests in people and the future — improving health, reducing pollution, and opening economic opportunities.”
The clean cookstoves use briquettes made from agricultural waste like sawdust and rice husk, reducing reliance on firewood and charcoal, which are both harmful to health and the environment.
The stoves were showcased during a live demo session that highlighted their benefits: smokeless flames, reduced cooking time, and safer indoor air.
Yahya Ahmed, Chief Operating Officer of Greenplinth Africa, the technical lead for the project, described Makoko as a strategic choice due to its socio-economic challenges and the prevalence of hazardous cooking methods.
“Firewood use is still common in Makoko. These briquette-fuelled stoves offer a smokeless alternative that protects families especially women from indoor air pollution,” Ahmed explained.
“We watched a woman cook with it this morning. No smoke, no red eyes, no coughing. This is the change we aim to scale nationwide.”
Ahmed also noted the wider economic and environmental implications.
With millions of stoves in use, the demand for briquettes will stimulate a new clean energy supply chain, creating jobs and boosting local economies.
Importantly, the cookstoves are free to beneficiaries, made possible through a UN-backed carbon credit scheme.
“This project will be registered under the UN emission reduction programme. For every ton of CO₂ avoided, funding will help cover stove costs,” he said.
Each recipient will also receive 50 tree seedlings, including fruit-bearing and commercial varieties, to support reforestation and sustainability. Beneficiaries are encouraged to nurture the trees, which they will own once matured.
“This isn’t just about stopping deforestation — we are actively restoring it,” Ahmed said.
“In places where tree cover has been lost, this offers a lifeline for the environment.”
The Lagos State Government is partnering with Greenplinth Africa for technical delivery and coordination of the project.
During the demonstration, Madam Bidemi, a resident of Makoko’s Apollo community, praised the stove for being cleaner, faster, and safer.
The event also drew support from prominent entertainers including Daddy Showkey, Afrobeat musician Alariwo of Africa, and Nollywood actress Foluke Daramola, who engaged with residents and amplified the project’s community relevance.
Makoko’s traditional leader, Baale Orioye Jephter Ogungbure, alongside local market leaders and Yaba CDC representatives, welcomed the initiative with open arms, describing it as long-overdue recognition of Makoko in the state’s development agenda.
With the successful launch in Makoko, the Lagos State Government is now poised to scale the initiative across all LGAs, positioning clean energy as a cornerstone of its broader climate resilience, public health, and economic empowerment strategies.
