Energy reforms crucial to Nigeria’s power future — Sanwo-Olu

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described Nigeria’s ongoing energy transition process as a critical step toward achieving energy security, saying recent reforms in the power sector have created opportunities for states to address electricity challenges through local generation and distribution initiatives.

Speaking on Tuesday at the Under2 States and Regions Dialogue during the London Climate Summit, the Lagos governor said the unbundling of the electricity sector has empowered sub-national governments to participate across the power value chain, a development he believes will help mitigate the country’s energy deficits.

The dialogue, themed “Advancing Energy Security in a Volatile World,” was organised by Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Under2 Coalition.

Sanwo-Olu said Lagos State is actively pursuing policies and investments aimed at improving energy access and reliability for residents, noting that the state is developing mini-grid solutions to serve underserved communities.

According to him, some communities that previously received fewer than 12 hours of electricity daily now enjoy between 20 and 21 hours of power supply due to ongoing interventions.

The governor also highlighted Lagos’ growing investment in renewable energy, revealing that the state has installed more than 45,000 solar-powered streetlights and poles across various locations over the past year.

He stressed the importance of Africa in the global energy transition conversation, citing the continent’s vast renewable energy potential, mineral resources, and rapidly growing population.

Sanwo-Olu argued that meaningful progress in the global transition to cleaner energy would require greater investment and attention to underserved regions, particularly in Africa.

Meanwhile, the governor announced plans by the Lagos State Government to host a Climate Action Week later this year, aimed at showcasing the state’s climate initiatives and attracting global stakeholders.

Speaking during a separate engagement with stakeholders in London, Sanwo-Olu said the event, expected to hold in September, would provide an opportunity for governments, investors and development partners to assess climate and sustainability projects being implemented in Lagos and across sub-Saharan Africa.

He said Lagos was prepared to host international participants and demonstrate its capacity as a leading centre for climate action and sustainable development on the continent.

The governor added that the state remains committed to leveraging innovation, partnerships and investment to address climate and energy challenges while promoting economic growth.