Federal Government Endorses Clean Cookstoves Project in Nigeria

In a landmark move towards sustainable development and environmental conservation, the Federal Government of Nigeria through the office of the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), has officially endorsed a revolutionary initiative aimed at addressing the global climate crisis, environmental challenges and improving livelihoods across the nation.

Under the auspices of Greenplinth Africa Limited, in collaboration with Numerix Development Limited and other strategic partners, an ambitious Article 6.4 project has been launched to distribute 80 million clean cookstoves free of charge to households throughout Nigeria.

The Director General of the National Council on Climate Change, Salisu Dahiru, who signed the Letter of Endorsement (LoE), addressed to the Co-Founder, Vice President and Group Managing Director of Greenplinth Africa Limited, stated that the project will result in GreenHouse Gas emission reduction and more importantly, will result in sustainable forest development and job creation in Nigeria.

The Director General also stated that the project, apart from a reduction in domestic emissions, will decrease upper respiratory infections, thereby leading to improved health conditions.

The NCCC’s Endorsement letter reads in part: “Concerning your letter of February 7th 2024, in which you requested the National Council on Climate Change (NCCC), in its capacity as the DNA, to endorse your Project Idea Note (PIN) for the Project “Improved and Efficient Cooking Energy Solution For Nigeria – a Programmatic Art. 6.4 project”.

“We are pleased to inform you that the NCCC, as the Designated National Authority for Nigeria for Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, has assessed your PIN and hereby states that: “The NCCC notes the Project “Improved And Efficient Cooking Energy Solution For Nigeria – a Programmatic Art. 6.4 project” and is aware that the Project proponent, Greenplinth Africa Limited intends to develop it as an Art. 6 project that earns Art. 6.4ERs;

“We have also noted and are convinced that your Project will result in GreenHouse Gas emission reduction and more importantly will result in sustainable forest development and job creation in Nigeria.

“Besides reduction in domestic emissions the project will decrease upper respiratory infections, thereby leading to improved health conditions;

“The above-named Project will enhance the nation in achieving sustainable development and the goals of our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs);

“The NCCC endorses the development of the “Improved And Efficient Cooking Energy Solution For Nigeria a Programmatic Art. 6.4 project” as an Art. 6 Project and recommends further development to the Project Design Documentation (PDD) stage.

“Project Design Documentations are evaluated based on technical, methodological, feasibility and sustainability criteria.

“Based on the reviews and evaluation of the PDD, the NCCC will consider the grant of a Letter of Approval (LoA) to Greenplinth Africa Limited as an Article 6.4 Project Proponent.”

Speaking about the project, Dr Babatunde Aina, CEO of Numerix Development Limited / Director, GreenPlinth Africa Limited stated that the initiative will particularly benefit vulnerable communities, women, and children, who bear the brunt of health issues linked to traditional cooking practices. “Nigerians will experience tangible benefits while collectively contributing to global efforts in combating climate change”, he said.

Dr Babatunde Aina also stated that in addition to the deployment of clean cookstoves, the project includes an ambitious afforestation campaign, with plans to plant a staggering 4 billion economic trees across the nation. This initiative not only aims to combat deforestation but also to promote sustainable land management practices, enhance biodiversity, and create economic opportunities for communities across Nigeria – stimulating economic growth by creating new avenues for employment and income generation.

“The Article 6.4 Clean Cookstoves Project will be a foreign exchange earner for the Nigerian economy. This is the first time anywhere in the world that an efficient clean cookstove project of this magnitude is being launched to be fully funded for every household, and 100% financed by Carbon Credits.

“Our Cookstove is also the first clean cookstove in the world to be launched with the co-benefit of Innovative Tree Planting and Nurturing to eliminate or reduce Poverty, Hunger, and Diseases,” he concluded.

The Federal Government’s endorsement of this groundbreaking Article 6.4 initiative underscores its commitment to fostering sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and the well-being of its citizens.

The Improved and Efficient Cooking Energy Solution for Nigeria is a United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Global Climate Action Portal (GCAP) registered Initiative.