The Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led government in Lagos State has unveiled a comprehensive plan aimed at ending persistent blackouts and delivering round-the-clock electricity supply through private sector investment, independent power generation and full metering across the state.
Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, disclosed this during the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing held at Alausa, Ikeja.
Ogunleye said the reforms followed the implementation of the Lagos State Electricity Law 2024, which he described as a major milestone in the state’s ambition to become Africa’s leading subnational electricity market.
According to him, the state targets between 95 and 100 per cent grid availability by 2030, alongside full metering coverage and reduction of energy losses to single-digit levels.
He said the administration’s strategy to eliminate blackouts would be anchored on strong regulation, investor-friendly policies, independent power generation and universal metering.
The commissioner disclosed that the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission had commenced licensing operators, enforcing standards and strengthening consumer protection within the emerging electricity market.
According to him, 14 licences and permits have already been issued to operators, while a statewide 100 per cent metering initiative is scheduled to commence in July 2026.
Ogunleye added that the state was also developing an artificial intelligence-powered monitoring platform tagged “Electric Eye of Lagos” to provide real-time monitoring of electricity trading and distribution activities.
He said Lagos was finalising market rules, consumer supply codes and grid interface guidelines to support a competitive electricity ecosystem capable of attracting investors.
According to him, the state currently regulates 12 Independent Power Producers (IPPs), seven of which are already fully operational.
The commissioner said the government was also advancing major energy infrastructure projects to improve power supply reliability and stimulate industrial growth.
Among the projects, he said, is the 37.7-kilometre Badagry electricity infrastructure corridor, which includes three high-voltage transmission towers crossing the Gbaji Lagoon and the rehabilitation of 33kV lines linking Gbaji, Seme, Owode and Apa.
He also announced plans for the Lekki-Epe Integrated Energy Corridor, expected to feature a 132kV transmission line from Ajah to Alaro City alongside a parallel gas pipeline network.
On public lighting infrastructure, Ogunleye said the government had deployed 42,000 smart solar streetlights across major roads and highways in the state.
He added that 22,000 conventional streetlights had been replaced with solar-powered systems on major corridors including Gbagada-Oshodi Expressway, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos Island Expressway and Ikorodu Road.
According to him, nearly 40,000 solar-powered streetlights are currently operational across Lagos.
Highlighting interventions in public institutions, the commissioner said 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.
In the oil and gas sector, Ogunleye said Lagos was positioning itself as a hub for cleaner transportation through compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric vehicle infrastructure.
He disclosed that 244 vehicles had already been converted to CNG, while 17 CNG stations are expected to become operational before the end of 2026.
The commissioner further stated that over 80,000 households now have access to cleaner cooking energy under the state’s LPG expansion programme.
According to him, the government is also developing the Oshodi Energy Hub, a multi-purpose facility expected to provide LPG, PMS, AGO, CNG, electric vehicle charging and vehicle conversion services.
On mineral resources, Ogunleye said the ministry had intensified enforcement against illegal dredging, sand overloading and unauthorised land reclamation activities.
He added that designated mining sites had been approved at Ilamija, Kajola, Orimedu and Akodo to support construction activities on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project.
The commissioner also dismissed reports suggesting residents would require government permits before installing solar systems in their homes.
He clarified that the government was not introducing any permit regime for solar installation but was instead concerned about safety standards and the activities of uncertified installers.
“For the umpteenth time, let me repeat again. Nobody, not even the state administration, authorises anyone to say that if you want to install solar, you must get approval from government,” he said.
“What we are saying is that those who say they are coming to your house to help you install solar are certified. They don’t defraud you. They don’t cause problems for the neighbourhood. They don’t burn down your houses.”
Ogunleye linked recent fire incidents in VGC to faulty electrical and solar installations, warning residents against patronising unqualified operators
Ogunleye reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to building a resilient and sustainable energy sector through stronger regulations, strategic infrastructure and increased private sector participation.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
