The Lagos State Government plans to increase electricity supply to more than 3,000 megawatts (MW) by March 2027, from the current level of less than 1,000MW, as it seeks to improve power availability for residents and businesses.
Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu announced the target at the fourth Lagos Business School Africa Energy Conference 2026, held on October 11. He was represented by his deputy, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat. According to a statement published on the state government’s official X account, the administration plans to mobilise an additional 2,000MW through the national grid, independent power projects, energy hubs, power barges, energy traders and embedded generation. The government said the initiative is part of efforts to reduce blackouts and support a 24 hour economy in Lagos.
The statement partly reads: “As part of efforts to end blackouts and build a 24 hour power economy in the state, the Lagos State Government has announced plans to increase electricity supply to the state to above 3,000 megawatts from the current level of below 1,000 megawatts by March 2027.”
To achieve the target, Sanwo Olu outlined a seven point plan covering electricity generation, transmission, distribution, metering, gas supply and technology. The plan also seeks to strengthen the Lagos Electricity Market and improve coordination among operators and regulators. The state government said it would upgrade substations and distribution networks while expanding access to electricity meters. These measures are expected to improve service delivery, reduce estimated billing and help consumers receive more reliable electricity.
The administration also plans to establish clearer contractual obligations among market participants and create an environment that encourages private investment in the electricity sector. Reliable gas supply remains another key requirement for the proposed expansion, as power plants need adequate fuel to generate electricity. The government also intends to deploy digital systems to monitor electricity supply and improve accountability across the market. These include Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA), Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and the Lagos Electricity Intelligence Platform.
The systems are expected to improve the monitoring of electricity networks, provide better market information and strengthen transparency among operators. Alongside its electricity expansion plans, Lagos is investing in solar energy. The governor said about 42,000 of the 50,000 streetlights earmarked for solarisation had been completed. Solar installations have also been completed in 175 public schools, while work is continuing in another 100 schools.
Sanwo Olu called on investors, financial institutions, energy companies and development partners to support the initiative, noting that dependable electricity was important for industrial growth, job creation and business competitiveness. The announcement comes as Lagos continues to develop its electricity market following reforms that allow states to regulate electricity activities within their jurisdictions.
In May 2026, the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission approved 14 electricity licences and permits covering off grid generation, embedded generation, independent distribution, metering services and interconnected mini grid operations. The approvals are intended to encourage private sector participation and improve electricity access across residential and industrial areas.
However, achieving the March 2027 target will require substantial improvements in generation, transmission and distribution, alongside adequate gas supply and investment. The effectiveness of these measures will determine whether Lagos can deliver the additional electricity needed to meet the demands of its growing population and economy.
