FG Targets 3,500MW Power Supply to Lagos, to End Blackout Soon
Segun James The federal government has promised to end constant power outages in Lagos State, with a target of bringing in a new supply of 3,500 megawatts (MW) of electricity
The federal government of Nigeria has declared its commitment to ending recurring power outages in Lagos State by introducing a new electricity supply of 3,500 megawatts (MW) to the region. Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, announced these plans during a strategic power town hall meeting held at Lagos House, Marina. Tegbe, assisted by the Director of Distribution Services, Mr. Baba Mustapha, revealed that Lagos currently receives less than one gigawatt of power from the national grid, despite the Transmission Company of Nigeria possessing approximately 3.5GW of wheeling capacity.
The minister emphasized that boosting generation alone would not suffice without adequate transmission and distribution infrastructure, naming gas supply, generation capacity, transmission bottlenecks, and distribution issues as crucial areas of focus. Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged for enhanced coordination, smart metering, improved data management, strict enforcement, and revenue assurance to garner consumer confidence and attract investments.
He proposed a review meeting in five to six months to evaluate the execution of these commitments. Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Abiodun Ogunleye, stated that Lagos aims to eliminate the "culture of blackout" and pledged to add around 2GW to the current power supply, ultimately aiming for a 3.5GW capacity. Ogunleye stressed that any electricity supply must coincide with payments, asserting that consumers should not be required to pay for darkness.
Dr. Rilwan Babalola, Special Adviser to the President on Power and Chairman of the Presidential Taskforce on Power Sector Reset and Restoration, pointed out that the issue extends beyond merely adding megawatts. He recommended that Nigeria shift from addressing electricity shortages to creating a functional electricity market, where energy, contracts, and financial transactions flow predictably throughout the value chain.
Babalola identified Lagos as a pivotal testing ground for the Clean Lagos Electricity Market (CLEM), which involves demand aggregation, bilateral contracting, open access, payment assurance, and transparent settlement. He highlighted that the proposed initial 500MW must first demonstrate reliable generation, delivery, metering, accounting, and payment before scaling up.
Babalola also cautioned against fragmentation in the decentralization of the electricity market, emphasizing the necessity of clear coordination between federal and state regulators and the interconnected national grid.
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