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The study estimates that Lagos State has approximately 19 GW of genset capacity, producing 39 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually. High upfront costs are the primary barrier to solar adoption, despite strong interest from households and MSMEs. The report advocates for lease-to-own models and standardized solar designs to replace petrol and diesel generators.

The CoolCycle project in Lagos State, Nigeria, deployed a 15 kWp solar off-grid system with 30 kWh battery storage to power cold rooms and a packhouse. Funded by Zero Emission Generators (ZE-Gen), the project aims to replace diesel generators with clean energy to preserve agricultural produce. Initial results show a reduction in post-harvest losses by up to 90% and the creation of employment for 48 women in produce processing. The project utilizes 'Energy as a Service' and 'Cooling as a Service' subscription models to ensure commercial viability and is seeking $750,000 to expand to 30 additional locations.

The Universal Energy Facility (UEF), managed by Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL), launched the 'Stand-Alone Solar for Productive Use' (SSPU) programme in Nigeria in 2022. This results-based financing (RBF) initiative provides grants to renewable energy companies to deploy solar and storage solutions for businesses and households, aiming to displace polluting generators. An initial USD 10 million in funding was allocated to ten companies to provide over 3,500 electricity connections. The programme seeks to improve energy access, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and foster economic productivity by lowering the up-front costs of solar installation.

The document evaluates Nigeria's climate adaptation landscape, contrasting high-level national policy frameworks with iterative, indigenous practices at the local level. While Nigeria has established ambitious frameworks like the National Adaptation Plan (NAP) and the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC), implementation is hindered by a 'top-down approach' that excludes local stakeholders, alongside gaps in finance, technology, and capacity. Case studies in Ogun, Lagos, and Anambra states demonstrate that local communities are already implementing Nature-based Solutions (NbSs) and traditional adaptation methods—such as biogas production from cassava waste and the use of bitter leaf juice in aquaculture—that align with national goals despite a lack of formal policy awareness. The authors argue that integrating these locally-led initiatives into national frameworks is essential to prevent climate impacts from increasing GDP losses from 5% to 30% by 2050.

The report argues that while Nigeria has comprehensive national adaptation frameworks, there is a significant gap between high-level policy and local implementation. It highlights that locally led adaptation (LLA) is already occurring through community-driven initiatives in biogas production, aquaculture, and erosion control, but these efforts are hindered by a lack of finance, technical capacity, and political will. The authors advocate for a shift from 'top-down' approaches to those that empower frontline communities to lead the design and monitoring of adaptation actions.

The document details local adaptation efforts in Nigeria across three sectors: biogas production in Ogun state to reduce fuelwood reliance and protect forests; aquaculture improvements in Lagos state to secure livelihoods against climate impacts; and erosion control in Anambra state to prevent land degradation. While these actions align with Nigeria's NDCs and national policies, they are hindered by limited financial services, poor government support, and a lack of advanced technological know-how.