Lagos State has announced an ambitious plan to transform its electricity sector, aiming to deliver 24-hour power supply and achieve 100 per cent metering of customers.
The goal is to end the recurring power blackouts and position Lagos as a leading subnational electricity market in Africa.
Pinnacle Daily reports that following the enactment of the Electricity Act 2023, which provides for decentralisation of the electricity market in Nigeria, the Lagos State government signed into law the State Electricity Law and also established the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) in December 2024 to oversee the Lagos electricity market.
The regulatory commission’s governing board was subsequently inaugurated on March 9, 2026, to oversee the state’s power sector.
The law lays the foundation of these reforms. The state plans to establish an independent electricity market, moving away from a single-buyer model to encourage private sector participation.
LASERC recently issued licences to 14 operators across the electricity value chain in the state. The operators are to manage power generation, distribution, and metering, marking a major shift toward a state-regulated electricity market. The aim is to improve electricity access in industrial clusters and semi-urban areas while easing pressure on the national grid.
Speaking during a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, on Monday, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources Biodun Ogunleye, said the target of 24-hour electricity in Lagos is part of ongoing implementation of the Lagos State Electricity Law 2024, which empowers the state to carry out reforms aimed at expanding the subnational electricity market.
Ogunleye stated that the state aims to fully close the metering gap and targets between 95 and 100 per cent grid availability by 2030.
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The commissioner disclosed that the 100 per cent metering initiative is scheduled to commence in July 2026.
He further stated that the state is also focused on developing an artificial intelligence-powered monitoring platform tagged “Electric Eye of Lagos” to provide real-time monitoring of electricity generation and distribution across the state.
In addition, the state also intends to open new consumer complaint centers in areas like Amuwo Odofin, Ikorodu, and Epe by August 2026.
Infrastructure and Generation Expansion
The state is targeting an additional 2,000 megawatts (MW) of power through private investors. Key infrastructure projects include: the 37.7km Badagry electricity corridor, proposed Lekki-Epe Integrated Energy Corridor with a 132kV transmission line from Ajah to Alaro and gas pipeline, plans to introduce floating power barges within 6 to 12 months, and deployment of over 40,000 solar-powered streetlights across the metropolis.
By combining regulatory reforms, advanced technology, and significant infrastructure investment, the plan aims to fundamentally reshape electricity access for millions of Lagos residents and businesses.
Investment in Solar Streetlights
Highlighting efforts towards expanding public lighting infrastructure, Ogunleye said the government had deployed 42,000 smart solar streetlights across major roads and highways in the state.
According to him, 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.
He added that nearly 40,000 solar-powered streetlights are currently operational across Lagos.
Permit For Solar Installation
The Commissioner clarified that the government is not introducing a permit system for solar panel installations. Instead, the focus is on ensuring safety standards and addressing the risks posed by uncertified installers.
“Let me repeat once again: no one, not even the state government, has authorised any claim that you must seek government approval to install solar,” he stated.
“What we are saying is that the people coming to your home to install solar should be certified. They should not defraud you, cause problems in your neighborhood, or burn down your houses.”
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X