Lagos State recently convened the inaugural Lagos Energy Summit 2025, themed “Journey to Energy for All,” to address the persistent electricity supply challenges hindering the state’s socio-economic growth and to chart a sustainable path toward energy independence. The summit, held from April 15th to 17th at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, brought together government officials, regulators, investors, industry stakeholders, and innovators to collaborate on solutions for Lagos’ chronic power shortfalls.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who officially opened the summit, underscored the urgency of establishing independent and reliable power sources to support Lagos’ ambition of becoming a 24-hour economy. He highlighted the need for consistent investment in energy diversification, grid modernization, and regulatory reforms as pillars of the state’s 2030 Energy Vision. Sanwo-Olu also expressed dissatisfaction with ongoing power outages, including blackouts at the Alausa Secretariat, and called for more innovative and results-driven approaches from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
The summit showcased Lagos State’s bold plan to generate 6 gigawatts (6,000 megawatts) of electricity within three years through a mix of gas-fired plants, grid-scale solar projects, and captive power generation initiatives. This plan follows the Lagos State Electricity Act signed into law in December 2024, which provides a legal framework for private sector participation and grants the state regulatory authority over electricity generation and distribution. Additionally, the government aims to retrofit 22,000 streetlights with energy-efficient alternatives to reduce grid pressure and improve overall energy efficiency.
Former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, who spoke at the summit, emphasized the critical need for Lagos to take the lead in power generation, noting that the federal government alone cannot meet the country’s electricity demands. He encouraged Lagos to conduct a comprehensive audit of its power needs and praised the establishment of subsidiaries by the existing electricity distribution companies in Lagos as positive steps toward improving service delivery.
The summit also served as a platform to promote renewable energy adoption, showcase innovative technologies, and foster high-level stakeholder engagement aimed at driving sustainable energy solutions across Lagos State. The event reinforced Lagos’ commitment to transforming its energy sector through collaboration between government, private investors, and the community, with the ultimate goal of ensuring reliable, affordable, and clean electricity access for all residents.
In summary, Lagos State’s Energy Summit marks a significant step toward solving the state’s electricity challenges by mobilizing resources, enacting supportive legislation, and embracing innovative energy solutions to power Nigeria’s largest economy and its vision of a 24-hour city.
