The Lagos State government says it is targeting an additional 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity supply by March 2027.

The initiative is aimed at addressing rising energy demand and improving power reliability across the state.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this on Wednesday at the 2026 Lagos Energy Summit, with the theme: ‘Lagos Energy Evolution: Transforming the Future’.

The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the state was committed to modernising its power sector.

He said this would be achieved through regulatory reforms, infrastructure investments and strategic private-sector partnerships.

Mr Sanwo-Olu said reliable electricity remained fundamental to economic growth, noting that businesses and households continued to face unreliable supply and high energy costs.

“Our administration has been intentional in creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive through improved power infrastructure, regulatory reforms and increased private-sector participation.

“We have introduced reforms to restructure the electricity market, strengthen regulatory institutions and create a competitive environment that will attract private investment,” he said.

He said the reforms would establish clear frameworks for licensing, consumer protection and market development.

The governor urged stakeholders to translate policy aspirations into practical solutions that would improve electricity supply and residents’ living conditions.

In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, said the 2,000MW target formed part of efforts to build a reliable electricity market.

Mr Ogunleye said the state’s energy transformation extended beyond generation to strengthening transmission and distribution networks.

He said the government was also prioritising energy security and efforts to eliminate energy poverty.

The commissioner disclosed that the state was engaging about 22 investors toward concluding energy-sector transactions.

He said the government was also addressing outstanding issues surrounding power purchase agreements (PPAs) with federal authorities.

Mr Ogunleye expressed optimism that resolving the contractual and investment challenges would improve electricity supply across the state.

He encouraged households and businesses to explore renewable energy sources, including solar, wind and hydropower.

He said the government was also pursuing the automation of energy assets to improve monitoring and curb electricity theft and vandalism.

The permanent secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ibilola Kasunmu, identified inadequate generation and gas supply constraints as major sectoral challenges.

She also cited weak transmission infrastructure and poor electricity collection systems.

Ms Kasunmu said Lagos, with an estimated population of 22 million and electricity demand of about 6,000MW, received less than 1,000MW from the national grid.

She said the state was working to bridge the gap through embedded generation, solar power and waste-to-energy projects.

She added that improved gas availability was also part of the strategy.

According to her, a joint technical working committee established with federal government support was addressing challenges confronting the state’s power sector.

She said the initiatives were expected to improve energy access and support Lagos’ growing economic activities. 

(NAN)