24-Hour Electricity Supply: Lagos Unveils Ambitious Plan To End Blackouts

24-Hour Electricity Supply: Lagos Unveils Ambitious Plan To End Blackouts

The Lagos State Government has unveiled an ambitious and far-reaching strategy aimed at delivering 24-hour electricity supply in Lagos, ending persistent blackouts and transforming the state into Africa’s leading subnational electricity market.

The comprehensive electricity reform plan, announced on Monday, is expected to drive industrial growth, improve living standards, attract investors and support the state’s vision of building a round-the-clock economy powered by reliable and sustainable energy.

Speaking during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, disclosed that the reforms are being driven by the implementation of the Lagos State Electricity Law 2024 signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

According to Ogunleye, the new electricity law gives Lagos the legal framework to regulate, generate and distribute electricity independently while creating opportunities for massive private sector participation in the energy sector.

The commissioner described the law as a major turning point in the state’s efforts to solve decades-long electricity challenges and reduce dependence on Nigeria’s unstable national grid.

He said the government is targeting between 95 and 100 per cent electricity availability across Lagos by 2030, alongside universal metering coverage and a significant reduction in energy losses.

According to him, the state’s strategy to eliminate power outages will focus on independent power generation, embedded energy systems, smart infrastructure, strong regulation, investor-friendly policies and full metering of electricity consumers.

As part of the reforms, the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) has commenced licensing electricity operators and enforcing standards within the state’s emerging electricity market. Ogunleye disclosed that 14 licences and permits have already been issued to operators involved in off-grid generation, mini-grid systems, embedded power supply, electricity distribution and metering services.

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The commissioner explained that the move is expected to attract more local and foreign investors into the Lagos electricity market while improving power reliability for homes, industries and businesses. He added that the state government would commence a 100 per cent metering initiative in Lagos from July 2026 in a bid to eliminate estimated billing and improve transparency in electricity billing across the state.

According to him, the government is also developing an artificial intelligence-powered electricity monitoring platform tagged the “Electric Eye of Lagos” to provide real-time monitoring of electricity generation, trading and distribution activities.

The commissioner further disclosed that Lagos is finalising electricity market rules, grid interface regulations and consumer supply codes to strengthen investor confidence and improve consumer protection.

Ogunleye stated that Lagos currently regulates 12 Independent Power Producers (IPPs), seven of which are already fully operational within the state. Energy analysts believe the expansion of independent power projects could significantly reduce pressure on the national grid and improve electricity access across residential and industrial communities.

The commissioner said the government was also advancing several major infrastructure projects designed to improve energy reliability and support industrial development. One of the flagship projects is the 37.7-kilometre Badagry electricity infrastructure corridor, which includes the construction of three high-voltage transmission towers across the Gbaji Lagoon and rehabilitation of 33kV electricity lines connecting Gbaji, Seme, Owode and Apa communities.

He added that the government is developing the Lekki–Epe Integrated Energy Corridor, which will feature a 132kV transmission line extending from Ajah to Alaro City alongside a gas pipeline network to support industries and commercial hubs within the Lekki economic zone.

On public lighting infrastructure, Ogunleye revealed that the state had deployed over 42,000 smart solar-powered streetlights across major highways and roads in Lagos. According to him, about 22,000 conventional streetlights have already been replaced with solar-powered systems along strategic corridors including the Gbagada–Oshodi Expressway, Lekki–Epe Expressway, Ikorodu Road and Lagos Island routes.

The commissioner said nearly 40,000 solar streetlights are currently operational statewide as part of efforts to improve security, reduce energy costs and promote renewable energy adoption.

Highlighting interventions in public institutions, Ogunleye disclosed that Gbagada General Hospital now enjoys between 21 and 22 hours of electricity daily following the installation of 2MVA and 1MVA transformers.

He added that renewable energy upgrades had also been completed in 52 secondary schools and 11 primary healthcare centres through lithium-ion battery replacement projects aimed at improving electricity supply in critical public institutions.

The commissioner also disclosed that Lagos is positioning itself as a major hub for cleaner transportation through investments in compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure and electric vehicle support systems.

According to him, 244 vehicles have already been converted to CNG, while 17 CNG stations are expected to become operational before the end of 2026. He added that more than 80,000 households now have access to cleaner cooking energy under the state’s LPG expansion programme.

Ogunleye further revealed that the government is developing the Oshodi Energy Hub, a multi-purpose facility expected to provide LPG, PMS, AGO, CNG, electric vehicle charging and vehicle conversion services.

In the mineral resources sector, the commissioner disclosed that the ministry had intensified enforcement against illegal dredging, sand overloading and unauthorised land reclamation activities across the state. He added that designated mining sites had been approved at Ilamija, Kajola, Orimedu and Akodo to support construction activities linked to the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway project.

The commissioner reaffirmed the Sanwo-Olu administration’s commitment to building a resilient and sustainable energy sector capable of supporting economic growth, industrial expansion and uninterrupted commercial activities across Lagos.

Industry experts say the reforms could transform Lagos into one of Africa’s most competitive electricity markets if fully implemented, particularly with plans to introduce dedicated 24-hour electricity franchise zones in Lagos later in 2026.

24-Hour Electricity Supply: Lagos Unveils Ambitious Plan To End Blackouts