Lagos Strengthens Energy Reforms to Deliver Reliable Power Supply
The Lagos State Government has reinforced its commitment to developing a sustainable and investor-friendly electricity market, following a high-level inter-ministerial stakeholders’ engagement convened by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
The meeting brought together Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), regulators, private sector players, investors, and industry experts to deliberate on the implications of the Electricity Act 2023 and the Lagos Electricity Law 2024, both of which empower the state to establish and regulate its own electricity market.
Delivering the keynote address, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, described the Electricity Act as a landmark reform that grants subnational governments greater control over electricity generation, transmission, distribution, and supply.
He noted that the development positions Lagos to create a more competitive and efficient electricity ecosystem capable of meeting growing energy demands.
Ogunleye outlined key priorities for the state, including building a financially viable power market, expanding access to reliable electricity, promoting renewable energy, protecting consumer interests, and strengthening regulatory frameworks.
He also highlighted the role of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission in licensing operators, setting tariffs, enforcing standards, and ensuring transparency to boost investor confidence.
Addressing plans to deliver an additional 6GW of power, the commissioner identified challenges such as financing constraints, gas supply limitations, transmission bottlenecks, land acquisition issues, and regulatory overlaps with federal agencies.
Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed the state’s commitment to addressing them through clear policies and strategic public-private partnerships.
Other stakeholders, including the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Energy, Akintunbosun Emmanuel, emphasised the importance of the 6GW initiative in positioning Lagos as an energy-secure megacity.
The engagement concluded with a renewed pledge by the state government to deepen collaboration, drive reforms, and deliver a resilient electricity market that supports economic growth and improves living standards across Lagos.
