The Lagos State Government is stepping up its clean energy drive, outlining a broad technology-led strategy to accelerate renewable adoption and reduce dependence on fossil fuels, as it positions Africa’s largest city at the forefront of the region’s energy transition.
Lagos State reaffirmed the commitment at the West Africa Clean Energy and Environment Trade Fair & Conference 2026, where policymakers and industry leaders are converging to advance solutions for sustainable power across the region.
Lagos pushes clean energy transition
Against the backdrop of Nigeria’s longstanding power deficits, marked by weak grid infrastructure and heavy reliance on diesel and petrol generators, Lagos says it is intensifying efforts to deploy cleaner, more reliable energy systems.
In commercial hubs such as Lagos, businesses and households continue to depend on self-generation, driving up operating costs while worsening noise and carbon emissions. The state government says its current strategy is aimed at reversing this trend through scalable renewable energy investments.
At the centre of Lagos’ clean energy roadmap is a planned 2GW grid-scale solar programme, one of the most ambitious subnational renewable energy projects in West Africa. The initiative is designed to integrate utility-scale solar power into the grid using modern photovoltaic technologies.
Lagos 2GW solar project anchors strategy
At the centre of Lagos’ clean energy roadmap is a planned 2GW grid-scale solar programme, one of the most ambitious subnational renewable energy projects in West Africa. The initiative is designed to integrate utility-scale solar power into the grid using modern photovoltaic technologies.
The project is expected to improve electricity reliability, support industrial productivity, and reduce the state’s exposure to fossil fuel volatility, while advancing decarbonisation targets.
Complementing the grid-scale approach is the Imole Eko Programme, a distributed energy initiative focused on expanding electricity access in underserved communities through off-grid and mini-grid solar systems.
The state is also planning to retrofit up to 50,000 streetlights with solar-powered systems, a move aimed at cutting emissions while improving operational efficiency through lower energy costs and smarter lighting infrastructure.
Policy, technology drive implementation
Speaking at the event on behalf of the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, Abdulhafiz Toriola underscored the role of policy frameworks, infrastructure investment and emerging technologies in building sustainable energy systems.
Ogunleye described the conference theme, “Accelerating West Africa’s Green Transition: Innovation, Policy & Investment,” as both timely and critical, reflecting the urgency of addressing climate change while unlocking economic opportunities within the renewable energy sector.
He says Lagos is moving beyond policy commitments to active implementation of scalable clean energy solutions.
Clean energy integrated into Lagos public services
Across public infrastructure, Lagos says it is embedding renewable energy technologies into key sectors, including healthcare, education and governance. Solar installations are already being deployed in primary health centres, schools, hospitals and other public institutions to provide more stable and decentralised power.
According to the state government, these interventions are beginning to deliver measurable outcomes, including improved energy reliability, increased private sector participation and rising investor confidence.
On the regulatory front, the Lagos Electricity Sector Reform Law is enabling the development of a sub-national electricity market, creating new opportunities for private sector-led innovation across generation, distribution and smart grid solutions.
The state says it is also advancing clean transport initiatives, with early-stage investments in electric mobility infrastructure, including charging systems and pilot programmes for electric buses and two-wheelers.
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