Sanwo-Olu aims for 3,000MW power supply in Lagos by March 2027

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu says his government wants to boost electricity supply in the state to over 3,000 megawatts (MW) by March 2027. Currently, the supply is less than 1,000 megawatts.

In a post on X on Sunday, Mr Sanwo-Olu shared this goal during the fourth Lagos Business School Africa Energy Conference 2026 held in Lekki, Lagos. His deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, represented him at the event.

He explained that the state plans to add around 2,000MW by getting power from the national grid, independent power projects, energy hubs, power barges, energy traders, and embedded generation.

Mr Sanwo-Olu noted that reaching this goal depends on better generation, transmission, and distribution. He also mentioned the need for a steady gas supply to power plants and more access to electricity meters.

Upgrading Infrastructure

The government intends to upgrade substations and distribution networks. They also plan to expand metering and use digital technology to track electricity supply and increase accountability in the market.

This expansion comes as Lagos takes on more responsibility for its electricity market after federal government reforms.

In December 2024, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) handed over regulatory control of electricity within Lagos to the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC). This change aligns with the Electricity Act 2023.

The Lagos State Electricity Law 2024 offers the legal foundation for electricity generation, transmission, distribution, supply, and trading in the state.

LASERC will regulate the market and license operators.

Attracting Investment

Mr Sanwo-Olu said the state is also focusing on creating clearer contracts and better coordination among electricity market operators and regulators. This step aims to attract private investments.

On technology, he highlighted plans to use Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), and the Lagos Electricity Intelligence Platform. These systems are expected to enhance monitoring, transparency, and accountability in the electricity market.

He also mentioned progress in the state’s renewable energy programme. So far, about 42,000 of the 50,000 streetlights set for solar installation have been completed.

Additionally, solar installations have been done in 175 public schools, with work ongoing in another 100.

Mr Sanwo-Olu encouraged investors, financial institutions, energy companies, and development partners to back this plan. He described reliable electricity as essential for industrial growth, job creation, and business competitiveness.

He stressed that the main goal is to achieve measurable results and build a sustainable electricity market in Lagos.

The conference took place under the theme, “Securing Nigeria’s Energy Future: Policy Reform, Capital Mobilisation, and Pathways to a Sustainable Power and Energy Market.”