Africazine:
Lagos State is set to significantly boost its electricity supply by 2027, aiming for over 3,000 megawatts.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu announced this ambitious target during the Lagos Business School Africa Energy Conference 2026. Currently, the state has less than 1,000 megawatts, and the plan includes adding about 2,000 megawatts through various sources, including the national grid and independent power projects.
Lagos State’s Ambitious Electricity Supply Goals
The Lagos State government is committed to enhancing its electricity supply, with a target of exceeding 3,000 megawatts by March 2027. This increase will be achieved through a combination of electricity sourced from the national grid, independent power projects, and other innovative energy solutions.
Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasized that achieving this goal hinges on improvements in generation, transmission, and distribution systems, as well as ensuring a reliable gas supply for power plants. Additionally, the state plans to upgrade substations and distribution networks to support this expansion.
Lagos State: Key figures on electricity supply
- Current electricity supply: less than 1,000 megawatts
- Target electricity supply by March 2027: more than 3,000 megawatts
- Planned increase: about 2,000 megawatts
- Streetlights earmarked for solarisation: 50,000
- Completed solar streetlights: about 42,000
- Public schools with solar installations: 175
- Ongoing solar installations in public schools: another 100
Regulatory Changes and Technological Advancements
The regulatory landscape for electricity in Lagos is evolving. In December 2024, oversight of intrastate electricity activities was transferred to the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC). This shift is part of the broader reforms introduced by the federal government to enhance the electricity market.
Governor Sanwo-Olu highlighted the importance of establishing clearer contractual obligations and improving coordination among market operators to attract private investment. The state is also focusing on deploying advanced technologies, such as SCADA systems and Advanced Metering Infrastructure, to enhance monitoring and accountability in the electricity sector.
Next Steps for Lagos’s Electricity Expansion
- Continue upgrading substations and distribution networks.
- Expand metering and implement digital technology for monitoring.
- Establish clearer contractual obligations for market operators.
- Attract private investment in the electricity sector.
Reliable electricity is crucial for Lagos’s industrial growth and competitiveness.
