By: Peter Emmanuel |
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called for stronger collaboration among stakeholders in the electricity sector to end persistent blackouts and build a reliable power supply system capable of supporting businesses, homes and economic growth across the state.
Sanwo-Olu made the call on Thursday, August 20, 2026, at a town hall meeting with key stakeholders in Lagos, where government officials, regulators, private sector operators and representatives of federal agencies discussed ways to improve electricity supply across the state.
The governor said reliable electricity remains essential to the lives and livelihoods of Lagos residents, as well as the growth of businesses and the wider economy.
He acknowledged that repeated promises of improved electricity supply had become a familiar refrain to Lagosians but said his administration was focused on laying the groundwork to make stable power the norm rather than the exception.
Sanwo-Olu said the meeting was an opportunity for stakeholders to listen to concerns, address existing challenges and strengthen collective efforts towards achieving a more reliable electricity system in Lagos.
Lagos Targets 3.5GW Electricity Supply to End Persistent Blackouts
Lagos is targeting an overall electricity supply capacity of 3.5 gigawatts as part of efforts to address persistent blackouts and meet the growing energy needs of residents and businesses.
Officials at the meeting disclosed that the state currently receives less than one gigawatt from the national grid despite the Transmission Company of Nigeria having the capacity to transmit about 3.5 gigawatts.
The gap between available transmission capacity and electricity reaching consumers has increased pressure on the state to explore other ways of expanding power supply.
The state is therefore looking at additional generation capacity, including embedded generation and renewable energy, alongside improvements in transmission and distribution.
The government said achieving the 3.5GW target would require coordinated action across the electricity value chain and stronger participation from both public and private sector stakeholders.
State Seeks Private Investment, Better Coordination to Improve Power Supply
The meeting also focused on attracting private investment into Lagos’ electricity market and creating the conditions required for investors to commit resources to power generation and distribution.
The state plans to strengthen coordination among relevant agencies, regulators, electricity operators and investors to address challenges affecting supply across Lagos.
Smart metering and improved revenue collection were identified as important areas for strengthening the viability of the electricity market and improving confidence among investors.
Stakeholders also examined ways to develop a functional Clean Lagos Electricity Market that can support investment in additional generation and provide consumers with more reliable electricity.
The government said the success of the proposed electricity market would depend on collaboration among state and federal authorities, regulators, operators, financiers and other stakeholders.
Reliable Electricity Essential for Lagos Businesses, Economic Growth
Sanwo-Olu said reliable electricity was critical to the growth of businesses, industries and households across Lagos.
He noted that improved power supply would help businesses reduce operating costs, increase productivity and create an environment where new investments can thrive.
The governor said Lagos had the economic demand and market size capable of supporting a viable electricity market if the right structures were put in place.
He stressed that the state could not afford to treat electricity as an issue that should be addressed through promises alone, noting that practical steps and sustained collaboration were required.
Sanwo-Olu said there was still considerable work to be done but expressed the state government’s commitment to getting the process right and building a Lagos where reliable electricity supports the lives and livelihoods of its people.
The stakeholders agreed to continue working together on the identified challenges, with a review of progress expected within five to six months as the state advances its plans to improve electricity supply.
