…Targets 24-hour power supply
As part of efforts to ensure steady power supply across the state, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Governor, has signed into law the Lagos Electricity Bill 2024. The approval was made known by Gboyega Akosile, Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the Lagos State Governor recently, via his official X account. In his tweet, Akosile disclosed that the step was taken as a result of the 2023 declaration by Federal Government, granting states the authority to generate and distribute electricity, paving the way for Lagos State to take control of its power supply and distribution.
The bill is expected to significantly enhance the state’s energy infrastructure, providing uninterrupted power supply to households, businesses, and industries alike. “Lagos State Governor @ jidesanwoolu today signed the Lagos Electricity Bill 2024. The bill is a major step by the State Government, to ensure 24 hours electricity supply to every nook and cranny of the state, following the FG’s nod for States to generate and distribute energy in 2023,” the tweet read.
Also featured in Akosile’s post was a short video showing Governor Sanwo-Olu, flanked by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and a few other top members of his cabinet, as he officially signed the bill into law. The signing marks a new chapter in the state’s energy reform agenda, promising to tackle long-standing electricity supply issues and strengthen Lagos’ economic and infrastructural development. The Lagos Electricity Bill 2024 signed into law by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, marks a major step towards energy independence for Lagos State. It replaces the Lagos State Power Sector Reform Law of 2018 and aligns with the Federal Government’s 2023 approval allowing states to generate and distribute electricity. The Bill establishes the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission to oversee the electricity market, regulate power generation, and set tariffs.
It also creates the Lagos State Electrification Agency to promote off-grid solutions and enhance electricity access in underserved areas. A key feature of the Bill is the creation of the Lagos Electrification Fund, aimed at financing the state’s grid expansion and off-grid projects. The Bill also introduces an Integrated Electricity Policy focused on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and decarbonization. It outlines a roadmap for a sustainable power supply, with private-sector involvement encouraged.
Additionally, the Bill establishes an Independent System Operator to manage grid operations and a Power Enforcement Unit to tackle electricity theft. With these measures, Lagos aims to improve power reliability, attract investment, and become a leader in Nigeria’s energy transition, providing consistent and sustainable electricity for its residents.
…Begins clearing of shanties
The Lagos State Government has commenced the removal of shanties along the drainage setbacks at Adeniji Adele in Lagos Island. The Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) commenced the execution of this directive recently, mobilising its personnel to remove the obstructive structures and restore the functionality of the drainage system. Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, said the Lagos State Government has begun its campaign to eliminate shanties and illegal structures across the state, aiming to address environmental violations, curb unauthorised encampments, and foster urban renewal.
According to commissioner, these efforts are part of a larger strategy to ensure a cleaner and more organised Lagos. Recently, the Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) demolished 138 shanties located along the canal bank in Ajao Estate, where occupants were reportedly paying annual rents ranging from N60,000 to N100,000.
• Similarly, earlier in November 2024, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) took action by demolishing unauthorised structures and shanties near NIPOST on Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi. Around the same period, LAGESC dislodged 84 occupants and cleared 54 illegal shanties beneath the Eko Bridge in the Ebute-Ero area.
• In October, LAGESC operatives targeted Daleko Market in Mushin, dismantling shanties and makeshift structures that obstructed drainage systems and encroached on roadways.
• Earlier in May, the government dismantled 86 makeshift apartments beneath the Dolphin Estate Bridge in Ikoyi, where tenants reportedly paid up to N250,000 annually for a single room.
• Enforcement actions have also been carried out at prominent locations such as the Ijora Causeway Bridge, Blue Line Overhead Bridge, National Stadium Bridge, and Osborne Bridge, reinforcing the state’s commitment to combating illegal encroachments across critical areas. To prevent the reoccupation of cleared spaces, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, unveiled plans to collaborate with the private sector. These partnerships aim to repurpose the reclaimed areas into public-use facilities, providing long-term solutions while enhancing urban management and environmental sustainability.
