Niger State has signed an agreement with Greenplinth Africa to join a carbon credit project that rewards activities that reduce carbon emissions, including the adoption of clean cookstoves and other environmentally friendly practices aimed at protecting natural resources.
The agreement was formalised through a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signed during the Green Conference 2026 held in Lagos, marking Niger State’s official entry into a programme designed to support climate action while also creating economic opportunities for local communities.
Under the arrangement, residents who adopt cleaner energy solutions and engage in environmentally responsible practices will contribute to reducing carbon emissions. These reductions can then be converted into carbon credits, creating financial returns for participating communities and the state government.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Niger State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Abubakar Musa, explained that the state decided to participate in the initiative because it aligns with the environmental and climate policies of the state government.
According to him, the programme fits into the broader environmental agenda of the Niger State governor, particularly in areas related to forestation and climate change mitigation.
“The state is partnering with Greenplinth in fighting carbon emission in order to partake in the numerous benefits accruing from the effort,” Musa said during the event.
A major component of the initiative is the clean cookstove project, which aims to replace traditional cooking methods that rely heavily on firewood and charcoal with cleaner, more efficient cooking technologies.
Experts say traditional cooking methods contribute significantly to indoor air pollution, which has been linked to several health challenges, particularly for women who spend long hours cooking for their families.
Dr. Daniel Galadima, Director General of the Niger State Agency for Green Initiatives, described the partnership as a win-win arrangement that will deliver economic, environmental and health benefits to the people of the state.
He noted that the project is designed not only to address climate change but also to improve livelihoods and generate income for households.
“This project by Greenplinth, the clean cookstove project, has come in to solve the issue of poverty, to increase revenue to families and to the state, and to provide health to individuals, particularly women,” Galadima said.
He added that the initiative would also strengthen the state’s economic base.
“It is also a revenue base for the state government to improve its socio-economic activities and developmental projects in the state,” he explained.
Beyond economic benefits, the project is expected to support Niger State’s broader climate strategy by reducing environmental degradation and promoting sustainable practices among communities.
Galadima stressed that the state government is committed to aligning its policies with global efforts to tackle climate change.
“We are actually working in line with what is happening concerning the challenges of climate change and the process of decarbonising the state,” he said.
Greenplinth Africa also emphasised that the carbon credit programme offers participating states an opportunity to generate social value and financial returns through climate-friendly initiatives.
Deputy Managing Director of Greenplinth Africa, Babatunde Aina, said states participating in the programme stand to gain both economic and social benefits.
“All the states signing up for the project would be getting a lot of social capital and revenue from carbon credit,” Aina said.
Meanwhile, Nasarawa State has indicated strong interest in joining the programme and is already preparing the groundwork needed to participate.
Dr. Muhammad Ismail, who represented Nasarawa State at the event, confirmed that the state government is making arrangements to provide land that will support the implementation of the climate initiative.
“Nasarawa State is very ready to key into this programme,” he said.
According to him, the initiative is expected to create employment opportunities and provide financial support to vulnerable residents.
“It is going to provide a lot of employment opportunities and financial assistance to some less privileged people in the state,” Ismail noted.
