Lagos Launches Bold First Energy Summit to Fix Power Woes

Lagos is stepping up to fix its power problem, Launches First Energy Summit

For the first time ever, the Lagos State Government is launching an energy summit. The goal? To find real and lasting solutions to the state’s power challenges. The event, called the Lagos Energy Summit, is themed “Journey to Energy for All.”

The summit will happen from April 15 to April 18, 2025, at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos.

This event is big.

It brings together the people who can make a real difference—government officials, private investors, international partners, energy experts, community leaders, and environmental advocates. They’re all coming together to work toward one goal: sustainable electricity for Lagos.

The Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is leading this charge. The Commissioner in charge, Biodun Ogunleye, announced the details during a press briefing on Thursday. He made it clear—this summit isn’t just for show.

“This summit is not just about discussions; it is about action,” Ogunleye said firmly. “We are bringing together industry stakeholders, policymakers, investors, and innovators to drive real solutions for Lagos energy challenges.”

His tone was confident. His message was clear.

Lagos wants to fix its broken power system. And it wants to do that fast.

The Lagos Energy Summit is expected to serve as a platform to promote clean, reliable energy. It will help people and organizations work together to unlock renewable energy potential. More importantly, it aims to push forward with the new Lagos State Electricity Law, passed in 2024.

Why does this matter?

That law gives Lagos the power to manage its own electricity—from generation to distribution. This is a game changer. Before, electricity was managed only at the national level. Now, Lagos can make its own rules, set its own targets, and build its own systems.

That’s a major step forward.

For years, Lagosians have lived with poor power supply. Many families rely on noisy generators to power their homes and businesses. Streetlights often go off unexpectedly. Hospitals, schools, and small businesses are constantly disrupted.

But that could soon change.

Ogunleye said the new energy law empowers the state to take control of its energy future. With the summit, the government plans to fast-track this transformation.

What will actually happen at the summit?

According to the commissioner, the event will spotlight new energy technologies. These include solar energy systems, off-grid power solutions, and energy-efficient appliances. Experts will also talk about strategies to roll out these technologies across Lagos.

Participants will draft clear plans. They will set timelines. They will agree on who will do what. The summit is not about vague promises—it’s about real action.

Ogunleye explained that the event targets many groups: energy professionals, government officials, private sector investors, research institutions, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, and international bodies.

He didn’t leave out banks and tech companies either.

Financial institutions and technology providers, he said, will be key in making these ideas come to life. After all, solar panels and smart meters don’t pay for themselves.

“The future of power in Lagos depends on public-private partnerships,” Ogunleye stressed.

He also reminded reporters that Lagos has a long history of trying to improve its energy sector. He pointed to the Enron Independent Power Project (IPP), which started during the tenure of former Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu—who is now the President of Nigeria.

That project marked Lagos’ first attempt to generate power outside the federal system. It was controversial at the time, but today it’s seen as visionary. Fast forward to 2023, and President Tinubu signed the Electricity Act into law, giving state governments the power to run their own electricity sectors.

The Lagos State Electricity Law of 2024 is the state’s response to that federal law.

Ogunleye said Lagos is ready to use that new power.

“Our ministry is committed to policy development, capacity building, research, community engagement, and partnerships,” he said. “We will ensure Lagos achieves energy security.”

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This vision aligns with Lagos’ broader goal of building a 24-hour economy. The dream is for businesses to run all day and all night without worrying about power cuts. But that dream depends entirely on a stable energy supply.

Lagos is Nigeria’s busiest state. It holds the title of economic capital. It runs on trade, tech, manufacturing, and tourism. But these industries can’t grow without dependable electricity.

Right now, Lagos’ power problems are holding it back.

Some areas get electricity for only four hours a day. Others don’t see light at all for days. This is bad for workers, students, shop owners, hospitals, and everyone in between.

The summit hopes to reverse that.

Stakeholders will talk about how to build mini-grids in neighborhoods, how to make solar energy more affordable, and how to attract investors to build energy plants within Lagos.

There’s also talk of training new professionals in renewable energy.

After all, Lagos can’t fix its power problems if it doesn’t have the people who know how to maintain solar farms, design energy-efficient buildings, or manage modern distribution systems.

Education is part of the plan.

The summit will create roadmaps for universities and vocational centers to train young people in energy-related jobs.

That’s another way the government wants to fight poverty—by giving young Lagosians skills that pay.

Ogunleye also mentioned environmental protection.

Lagos is battling climate change, just like every other part of the world. Switching from petrol generators to clean energy will help reduce pollution, which is already a major health hazard in the city.

He said the government will also ensure that local communities are part of every step.

“This is not just about big business or city elites,” Ogunleye said. “It’s about every Lagosian—rich or poor, old or young—having access to safe, reliable, and clean electricity.”

He ended his briefing on a powerful note.

“Lagos is not just Nigeria’s economic nerve centre; it is a trailblazer in energy sector transformation. Together, we will ensure that our journey to Energy for All is a reality, fostering sustainable growth and prosperity for all Lagosians.”

That’s a big promise.

But it’s the kind of promise Lagos needs right now.

Power is life.

And if Lagos can finally fix its power problems, it won’t just light up the streets—it’ll spark new hope in the hearts of its people.