Lagos Targets 6 Gigawatts Power Generation In Three Years

The Lagos State Government has unveiled plans to generate 6 gigawatts of electricity within the next three years in a bid to achieve energy independence.

The announcement was made during the Lagos Energy Summit held on Tuesday, where government officials, regulators, investors, and other stakeholders gathered to strategize on the ambitious power initiative.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier laid the groundwork in December 2024 by signing the Lagos Electricity Bill into law. Now known as the Lagos State Electricity Act, the legislation creates a legal foundation for private sector involvement in the development of public energy infrastructure.

As part of the energy drive, the state is currently inviting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for projects including gas-powered plants, grid-scale solar systems, and captive power initiatives—all designed to contribute 6GW of electricity to Lagos’ growing power demands.

In addition, the government plans to retrofit 22,000 streetlights across the state to ease pressure on the main grid and enhance overall energy efficiency.

Speaking at the summit’s opening ceremony in Victoria Island, Sanwo-Olu emphasized the importance of energy autonomy in transforming Lagos into a 24-hour economy.

He noted that achieving the state’s 2030 Energy Vision depends heavily on sustained investment in three key areas: energy diversification, grid modernization, and regulatory reforms.

Sanwo-Olu said, “This new journey we have started has a destination, which is to reduce if not totally eliminate reliance on the national grid. To get to the destination, we have to work hard twice as fast. I believe this summit would help Lagos to steadily move towards realising the objectives.

“This ambitious energy plan speaks directly to the heart of our mission, affirming our commitment to build not just a vibrant megacity, but a smart city where no home will be in darkness. To achieve these objectives, we have taken bold steps in repositioning Lagos as a sub national in energy reform.

“Following the enactment of Lagos Electricity Law, we inaugurated Lagos Electricity Regulatory Commission and Independent Regulatory Agency to oversee the licencing compliance and consumers’ protection.

“Additionally, we have established Independent System Operator to manage field operations within the State’s optimised power distribution, which, we believe, will enable system stability and enhance reliability. We believe these reforms are critical for our long-term vision for self-sufficient and reliable energy sector. These moves will attend to the energy needs of our people and attract investors into the sector.”

The governor stated that dependable clean energy would do more than just power homes—it would stimulate economic activities, drive industrial development, and help small businesses thrive.

He emphasized that the money currently spent by residents on self-generated power could be redirected into the economy, fostering greater growth. According to him, stable electricity would invigorate both the formal and informal sectors.

“I strongly believe the energy for all is achievable; all that is required is collaboration of all stakeholders, including the Government, private sector, civil society, environmental advocates and the media. This summit present an opportunity for all stakeholders to share ideas and come up with solutions.

“We believe in partnership that is rooted in trust and shared purpose. This begins with commitment by all stakeholders to put people first as we build energy-secure future,” Sanwo-Olu added..

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, stated that since the enactment of the Lagos Electricity Law, the Ministry has overhauled the State’s energy strategy. This includes the reform of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) and securing executive approval to launch the Lagos Gas Master Plan.

According to the Commissioner, Lagos’ energy initiative aims to create an environment where entrepreneurs, students, artisans, and families can thrive—powered by clean, reliable, and affordable electricity.

The three-day event, themed “Journey to Energy for All,” serves as a crucial forum for investors to assess risks, clarify uncertainties, and align efforts with the state’s long-term power goals.

Lagos Targets 6 Gigawatts Power Generation In Three Years is first published on The Whistler Newspaper