Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday said that providing reliable electricity supply for economic growth was a task that must be accomplished, adding that his administration was working towards increasing energy generation and supply.
Sanwo-Olu, who spoke at the Lagos Energy Summit 2026, with the theme “Lagos Energy Evolution: Transforming the Future,” reaffirmed the government’s dedication to modernising the state’s power sector through comprehensive regulatory reforms, strategic private-sector partnerships and infrastructure investments.
The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said: “Energy remains fundamental to Lagos’ economic growth, and it is a truism that manufacturers, small businesses and households have continued to bear the burden of unreliable electricity and high energy costs. Our administration in recent years has been intentional about creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive through improved power infrastructure, regulatory reforms and increased private-sector participation.
“We have introduced reforms to restructure the electricity market, strengthen regulatory institutions and create a competitive environment that would attract private investment,” he said.
Governor Sanwo-Olu maintained that the reforms were aimed at establishing clear frameworks for licensing, consumer protection and market development, while ensuring that electricity providers remained accountable and responsive to consumers.
He, however, urged stakeholders to move beyond policy aspirations to practical solutions that would improve power supply and positively impact the lives of Lagos residents.
On his part, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, said the Lagos State Government had set a target of adding 2,000 megawatts of electricity to its power supply by March 2027, as part of efforts to address the state’s growing energy demand and build a more reliable electricity market.
According to him, the state’s energy transformation went beyond increasing electricity generation, stressing the need to strengthen transmission and distribution networks, improve energy security and eliminate energy poverty.
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He noted that Lagos was engaging with approximately 22 investors to close energy-sector transactions, while addressing outstanding issues regarding Power Purchase Agreements with federal authorities. He expressed optimism that resolving these contractual and investment challenges would improve electricity supply.
The Commissioner also highlighted the importance of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind and hydropower, and encouraged households and businesses to explore alternative energy solutions while working towards a stronger national grid.
He added that the state was pursuing the automation of energy assets to improve monitoring, tackle electricity theft and vandalism, and ensure more efficient service delivery.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ibilola Kasunmu, identified inadequate generation, gas supply constraints, weak transmission infrastructure and poor electricity collection systems as major challenges affecting the state’s energy sector.
Kasunmu explained that Lagos, with an estimated population of 22 million and an electricity demand of about 6,000 megawatts, currently received less than 1,000 megawatts from the national grid.
She said the state was working towards bridging the gap through embedded generation, solar power, waste-to-energy projects and improved gas availability, alongside a joint technical working committee established with Federal Government support.
