Lagos Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-olu, has called for collaboration across states and with the federal government to guarantee sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
The governor, while making the appeal during the forum of Commissioners of Powers and Energy in Nigeria, held in Victoria Island, Lagos, said the task before the commissioners could not be tackled in isolation, hence the need for collaboration.
According to him, they needed to harmonise policies, streamline regulatory frameworks, and incentivize investments in renewable energy technologies, adding that “the promise of solar, wind, and waste-to-energy solutions cannot be overemphasised.”
Through collaboration, the governor believes that states and the central government can chart a path to energy independence, secure reliable power for industries, and meet global commitments to reduce carbon emissions.
“I am especially inspired by the synergy on display in this forum—a testament to what we can achieve when states and stakeholders unite toward a common goal. The collaborative spirit evident here reassures me that a brighter and more sustainable energy future for Nigeria is within reach,” he said.
He described the forum as “a clarion call for a national energy renaissance”, adding, “Together, we can chart a path to energy independence, secure reliable power for our industries, and meet global commitments to reduce carbon emissions. Lagos pledges its unwavering support in achieving this shared vision.”
As Nigeria navigates the era of energy transition, the governor said that states must embrace innovations such as decentralized power generation, smart grids, and energy storage solutions.
“More importantly, we must ensure that these advancements are inclusive, benefiting urban centres and rural communities alike,” he said.
He described the assembly of states ‘ commissioners for Power and Energy as “a critical platform for shaping the future of our nation’s energy sector.
According to him, the presence of the Minister of Power, Commissioners of Power and Energy from across the federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and other key stakeholders underscored the strategic importance of the event.
“Lagos, Nigeria’s economic nerve center, has always been at the forefront of innovative energy solutions. We have sought to decentralise energy access, promote renewable energy sources, and enhance energy efficiency through initiatives such as the Lagos State Electricity Policy and public-private partnerships.
“Our Eko Electric Project is a shining example, illuminating communities and fostering economic activities,” the governor said.
As the largest economy in Africa, he said that Nigeria’s energy landscape stood at a pivotal juncture; fuelled by industrialization, urbanization, and population expansion, as the nation’s power demand continues to grow..
He said the growth has presented a challenge on how to bridge the gap between demand and supply while ensuring sustainability and equity.
He explained that states faced both significant challenges and remarkable opportunities within the energy sector., adding that the demand for reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy would continue to grow.
He urged the commissioners to brace for the challenge, saying that it’s their duty as leaders to ensure that they meet energy demands efficiently.
“The time has come for us to rethink and reshape our energy policies and strategies,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Director General, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Dr. Abdulateef Shittu, said the gathering was aimed at discussing important issues concerning implementing the Electricity Act 2023
Represented by the Director of Legal, Chijoke Chukwu, he described the implementation of the Electricity Act as a vital step towards achieving a more efficient, reliable, and sustainable energy sector in Nigeria.
“It is a step that will pave the way for economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards for all Nigerians.
At the NGF, he said that since the signing of the Electricity Act, 2023, the governors have taken a more than casual interest in the development of the power sector across their states in the unshaken belief that getting it right in our states would automatically translate to achieving universal access to electricity in Nigeria.
“Our Electricity Desk has continued to engage with stakeholders and relevant players in the industry to achieve our common objectives,” he said.
“When at the NGF, we first conceived the idea of a Power/Energy Commissioners Forum in the states, we did so fully aware of the imperative for strong relevant technical, professional, and knowledgeable actors at the state level to drive the reform process and trigger an effectual implementation of the Electricity Act 2023. We are gratified that our thoughts and aspirations in this regard were not misplaced.
“Even though we acknowledge that much needs to be done to achieve our target in this area, we are proud of the bold steps being taken by our states. Only recently, Enugu State attained complete regulatory oversight of its electricity market following the end of the transition period.
Other states that are within the statutory transition period having received the requisite orders from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) include Ondo, Ekiti, Kogi, Edo, Oyo and Imo States,” the DG of NGF said.
This development, he said afforded the states an opportunity to create a competitive edge as the state governments will be at liberty to implement the best investment policies to attract investors into the electricity markets in their states.
“We encourage other states to also fulfil this by using their best endeavours in setting up their legal and regulatory frameworks which would set them on the path towards achieving their electricity markets,” Shittu said.
Chairman, Forum of Commissioners of Power and Energy in Nigeria, Mr. Eka Williams, charged the state commissioners on the need to deliver on their mandate.
He urged them to strategise and encourage investments in the sector in their states.
“Let the investments be more on the sub nationals, ” he urged.
Earlier in his welcome address, Lagos’ Commissioner of Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, said the gathering came at a time when energy is at the core of national aspirations, an era where clean, affordable, and reliable power has become the foundation of economic transformation and social progress.
“Over the next two days, we will engage in robust discussions, share insights, and explore actionable strategies that will empower us to tackle the challenges in the energy sector while leveraging the immense opportunities before us. From renewable energy integration to regulatory reforms, from energy access expansion to enhancing gender inclusion in the energy space, every conversation here is a step toward a brighter energy future,” he said.
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