The Lagos State Government has announced its plans to establish an independent electricity market aimed at ending the persistent blackouts plaguing the state. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to ensure a stable and reliable power supply for residents and businesses.
Commissioner Reveals Details
Biodun Ogunleye, the state’s Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, disclosed this during the 2026 media briefing held in Alausa, Ikeja. He stated that the state has commenced aggressive reforms focused on strengthening regulation, expanding embedded generation, and creating an investor-friendly electricity market to support a stable electricity supply.
Earlier, Gbenga Omotoso, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, emphasized that stable power supply remains critical to industrialization and economic transformation in Lagos.
Targeting 2,000 Megawatts
Ogunleye revealed that Lagos is targeting an additional 2,000 megawatts through partnerships with private investors and other market operators. The state is advancing a market structure designed to eliminate the single buyer model and encourage broader participation in the electricity sector.
According to Ogunleye, the state has updated its integrated resource plan and is implementing policies aligned with international electricity market standards. He also noted that the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission has strengthened licensing frameworks, consumer complaint mechanisms, and enforcement procedures, while pursuing a 100 percent metering policy.
Floating Power Barges and Infrastructure Expansion
The commissioner hinted that the state would soon announce floating power barges as part of plans to expand electricity capacity within six to twelve months. In partnership with the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), and Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Lagos is expanding grid infrastructure, mini-grids, and solar systems across underserved communities.
Ogunleye confirmed that several transformers have been installed across the state, and damaged electricity infrastructure in Ilashe and neighboring communities has been rehabilitated.
Gbagada General Hospital Connection
The commissioner also disclosed that Gbagada General Hospital is being connected directly to TCN to guarantee between 21 and 22 hours of electricity supply daily.
Solar Installation Permits Denied
Ogunleye denied reports that residents would require permits before installing solar systems. He reiterated, “For the umpteenth time, let me repeat, nobody in this state administration authorized anyone to say that if you want to install solar, you must get a Lagos State permit.”
