- Lagos State pushes the Lagos State Electricity Bill 2024 to end blackouts and improve power supply within two years.
- Collaboration with Power Africa and USAID aims to boost clean and affordable energy for Lagos residents.
- Commissioner Ogunleye highlights plans for an independent state grid and a diversified energy mix, including renewable sources.
In a crucial meeting, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State, Engr. Shola Shashore and his team engaged with Power Africa and USAID, led by Mr. Richard Nelson, to address the state’s persistent power issues. This collaboration aims to accelerate Lagos’s journey towards ensuring “Clean Electricity For All.”
Engr. Shashore expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential to transform Lagos into a modern city with reliable, affordable energy. This initiative was reinforced during a public hearing on the Lagos State Electricity Bill 2024 at the House of Assembly on July 10, 2024.
State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, assured residents of significant improvements within two years of the bill’s enactment. Highlighting the urgency, Mr Ogunleye noted Lagos’s current inadequate power supply—only about 1000MW for an average of 12 hours daily for its 27 million residents.
“The 21-part Bill outlines the roles of the Lagos State Government and the Ministry of Energy,” Mr Ogunleye explained. The bill proposes the establishment of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LSERC), addressing licensing, tariff regulations, market standards, consumer protection, renewable energy, and more.
The proposed legislation aims to repeal the Lagos State Power Sector Reform Law of 2018 and create a comprehensive framework for managing the Lagos electricity market. The 2023 Electricity Act empowers states to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity, with Enugu, Ekiti, and Imo states already setting up their market frameworks.
Mr Ogunleye emphasised the need for an independent state grid. “If the bill becomes law, the Lagos State government will have the authority to generate, transmit, and distribute electricity directly to end-users,” he said.
The commissioner highlighted the bill’s potential to attract new market operators and focus on environmental sustainability. “This bill will resolve issues hindering operators’ businesses and pave the way for Lagos to become a global centre of excellence in energy management,” he said.
Mr Ogunleye also showcased the state’s achievements, including illumination of all Class A and most Class B roads, with about 20,000 street lighting poles operational. To ensure comprehensive coverage, the government plans off-grid and macro-grid solutions for rural electrification.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s strategy includes introducing 1,000 megawatts of non-renewable energy to diversify the power mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. “We will see a power sector with a better energy mix. It will not be fossil fuel alone,” Mr Ogunleye affirmed.
As the legislative process progressed, Mr Ogunleye expressed optimism about the bill’s third reading and the incorporation of stakeholder feedback.
In a related development, a significant fireside chat took place on July 8, 2024, co-hosted by the Electricity Hub, featuring Power Africa Coordinator Richard Nelson. The event reviewed the impact of the Power Africa-Nigeria Power Support Programme (PA-NPSP) over the past decade.
Key takeaways included:
- Power Africa successfully closed electricity access gaps through on-grid and off-grid solutions.
- The importance of adaptive, community-focused strategies.
- The need for sustained investment and strategic partnerships.
The event highlighted the challenge of electricity costs and the necessity of consumer awareness and responsibility in maintaining a sustainable power sector. Training and professional development were also emphasised as vital for driving positive change and fostering a generation of informed power sector stakeholders.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Lagos State, Power Africa, and USAID represents a significant step towards achieving clean, reliable electricity for all, setting the stage for a brighter, more sustainable future for Lagos and beyond.