Carbon Monoxide Emission Kills 30,000 Yearly in Lagos, Says State Government
Lagos State Government has disclosed that approximately 30,000 people die annually in the state due to exposure to carbon monoxide pollution.
This alarming statistic was made public by the state’s Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, during the 2025 Lagos Energy Summit held in Victoria Island.
According to Ogunleye, the primary cause of this environmental hazard is the widespread use of fossil fuel-powered generators, which are used by households, market clusters, and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the state. It is estimated that Lagos is home to around 4.5 million generators, which consume a staggering 16 billion liters of fuel annually, costing residents a whopping ₦14 trillion based on the current average price of ₦900 per liter.
The environmental impact of these generators is equally devastating, with 38 million tons of CO₂ emitted into the atmosphere every year. This is more than the total emissions of countries like Togo, Rwanda, or Gabon, highlighting the severity of the crisis. Ogunleye described the situation as “a public health crisis” that requires immediate attention and action.
In his keynote address, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated the administration’s commitment to transitioning towards cleaner, renewable energy sources. The governor acknowledged that while Nigerians, particularly Lagosians, generate significant amounts of power privately, the efforts remain inefficient and fragmented.
“We have the power, but it is misdirected. The funds are being spent, but not in a sustainable or centralized manner,” he said.
To address the state’s chronic energy challenges, the Lagos State Government is now actively seeking Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for gas-fired, grid-scale solar, and captive power projects. The goal is to inject 6GW of reliable power into the state’s electricity mix within the next three years.
Other key initiatives include the retrofitting of 22,000 streetlights to reduce grid load and improve efficiency, as well as the implementation of the Lagos Electricity Law to establish the Clean Lagos Electricity Market.
The governor also announced the launch of the Lagos Gas Master Plan and Strategic Implementation Plan, which will guide long-term energy investments in the state. Additionally, the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) will be updated, and a comprehensive electricity policy will be created. “These policies are not just documents. They are a map guiding us to Lagos Vision 2030 — a future of clean, reliable, and affordable electricity for all,” Ogunleye stated.
The statistics are staggering, with 72% of households in Lagos owning at least one generator, 94% of MSMEs depending on gensets, and 76% of market clusters unable to function without them. This underscores the urgency for sustainable alternatives and the need for a paradigm shift in the way energy is generated and consumed in the state.
Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed optimism that Lagos is now poised to become the top energy investment destination in Africa and a global benchmark for sub-national energy transition. “We are building a Lagos where every student, artisan, and entrepreneur can thrive—powered by electricity that is clean, dependable, and affordable,” he affirmed.
As the Lagos State Government embarks on this ambitious energy agenda, residents and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting the implementation of these initiatives. With the clock ticking, the state’s leadership is under pressure to deliver on its promises and create a sustainable energy future for generations to come.
