Nigeria’s energy transition at defining stage, says Sanwo-Olu

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has described Nigeria’s ongoing energy transition process as a defining stage in the country’s efforts to achieve sustainable energy security and expand electricity access to businesses and households.

Sanwo-Olu said the recent reforms that opened up greater participation of sub-national governments in electricity generation and distribution would accelerate solutions to the country’s power challenges by allowing states to develop energy models that respond to local needs.

The governor made the remarks at the Under2 States and Regions Dialogue during the London Climate Summit, where he spoke on the theme, “Advancing Energy Security in a Volatile World.” Bloomberg Philanthropies and the Under2 Coalition organised the session.

According to him, the liberalisation of the power sector provides an opportunity for states to drive innovation, attract investment and create alternative energy solutions capable of improving reliability and affordability.
Sanwo-Olu, who highlighted Lagos’ strategic position in Nigeria’s energy landscape, said a significant portion of the country’s electricity generation flows through the state, making it critical to national energy discussions. He said Lagos was already exploring decentralised energy solutions, including mini-grids and community-based power systems, to improve electricity access in underserved areas.

“We are actively changing the narrative around energy sufficiency. We are designing models where we can do small mini-grids, manage and feed smaller communities, and improve access to power,” the governor said.
He added that some communities that previously experienced limited electricity supply had recorded significant improvements through targeted interventions, with some now enjoying longer hours of power supply.

The governor said his administration was also investing heavily in renewable energy infrastructure, noting that more than 45,000 solar-powered streetlights and poles had been installed across Lagos in the last year. He stressed that Africa must remain central to global conversations on energy transition, given the continent’s renewable energy potential, mineral resources and growing population.

“Statistics show that 60 percent of the solar needs and capabilities are in Africa, 30 percent of the minerals are in Africa and 25 percent of the population is there. If we need to be successful in the transition conversation, it has to include Africa,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor called for stronger international partnerships, investment flows, and technical collaboration to enable African regions to scale up clean energy solutions and address energy poverty.

Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu has announced that Lagos will host a Climate Action Week in September, aimed at showcasing the state’s sustainability initiatives and attracting global stakeholders to explore investment opportunities. He said the event would provide a platform for international partners to assess Lagos’ climate-related projects firsthand and understand the opportunities available in Africa’s largest commercial hub.

“We have done a lot of tangible projects, and people need to come down to Lagos and see things for themselves. The opportunities are there, and we are ready to engage,” he said.
The planned Climate Action Week is expected to bring together governments, investors, climate experts, development organisations and private sector players to discuss pathways for sustainable development and climate resilience.
Sanwo-Olu said Lagos would serve as a test case for broader climate and energy transformation efforts across sub-Saharan Africa, adding that the state was committed to demonstrating practical solutions that could be replicated in other regions.