In a bid to end persistent blackouts in Nigeria’s megacity, the Lagos State government is targeting a boost in electricity
In a bid to end persistent blackouts in Nigeria’s megacity, the Lagos State government is targeting a boost in electricity supply by 3,000 megawatts by March 2027, above the current level of 1,000 megawatts, citing a need for a 24-hour power economy.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos governor, said the ambition will work across a seven-point action plan focused on making Lagos electricity market fully functional, increasing electricity generation, strengthening distribution capacity, reinforcing transmission infrastructure and improving networks and metering.
He added that the plan will strengthen Lagos gas-to-power arrangements, enhance information technology, as well as improve market visibility. According to him, the state is working to mobilise 2,000 megawatts through national grid resources, independent power projects, energy hubs, power barges, energy traders, and embedded generation supply.
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“The state is working to strengthen its transmission network, improve substations and distribution feeders, expand metering coverage to reduce estimated billing and improve service delivery,” Sanwo-Olu said at the Lagos Business School Africa Energy Conference recently.
He noted that the government is working to establish clear contractual obligations, strengthen coordination among electricity market operators and regulators, and create a commercially viable environment capable of attracting private investment.
Similarly, Sanwo-Olu emphasised the importance of reliable gas supply to power plants and the deployment of digital systems, including Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), and the Lagos Electricity Intelligence Platform, to improve monitoring, accountability and transparency.
He further noted that Lagos has shown immense progress in renewable energy interventions with about 42,000 of the about 50,000 streetlights earmarked for solarisation and other solarisation projects in nearly 175 government-owned schools.
Highlighting the need for investment in the state, he urged investors, financial institutions, and energy operators to collaborate with the state in delivering the 3,000 megawatts electricity plan, noting that reliable electricity is essential for industrial growth, job creation, business competitiveness, and improving the cost of living.
“The focus is now on disciplined implementation and measurable results that would support the development of a sustainable electricity market and strengthen Lagos economic growth,” Sanwo-Olu noted.
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Feyishola Jaiyesimi is a writer and storyteller. She currently writes for the energy desk at BusinessDay with a focus on renewable energy and environmental issues. She began her journalism career as an agricultural reporter and now covers the energy sector, including oil, gas, electricity, environment, and renewables. She has been selected for professional training by the US Consulate, Lagos. She is a 2025 Dataphyte Biodiversity Reporting Fellow. Feyishola holds a bachelor’s degree in Zoology and Environmental Biology from Ekiti State University.