Lagos and LCCI Call for Investment in Community-Owned Mini-Grids to Boost Power Access
The Lagos State Government and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) are pushing for greater investment in Nigeria’s power sector, with a focus on community-owned mini-grids. At the LCCI Power Sector Conference on Wednesday, stakeholders stressed that decentralisation could only succeed if both public and private actors commit fresh capital to modernise ageing infrastructure, expand generation capacity, and upgrade distribution networks.
Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, represented by Chief Technical Officer Ogunade Hamed, described the country’s energy sector as entering “a defining moment.” He highlighted that decentralisation, driven by the Electricity Act, has shifted energy planning from theoretical possibilities to practical delivery. Lagos has already implemented initiatives like solar retrofits of 42,000 streetlights and expanded embedded generation frameworks for industrial clusters.
Ogunleye warned that existing transmission and distribution networks, designed for a smaller population and a different economy, require substantial upgrades. “Our distribution and transmission networks require significant investment, refurbishment, and smarter management,” he said, adding that sustainable reform demands collaboration between states and private investors to innovate and secure energy for all.
Olufemi Bakare, Chairman of the LCCI Power Sector Group, noted that Nigeria is at a “critical juncture” in its search for sustainable energy solutions. While generation capacity has improved, transmission and distribution bottlenecks persist. Bakare urged stakeholders to address these obstacles collectively to attract investment, promote competition, and guarantee reliable electricity for businesses and households.
LCCI President Gabriel Idahosa pointed out that decentralisation offers opportunities but exposes weaknesses along the power value chain, from regulatory inconsistencies to insufficient off-grid investments. He called for harmonised standards, enabling policies, and transparent environments to encourage private investment. The conference, themed Infrastructure Optimisation and Challenges in the Power Sector Amidst Current Decentralisation Efforts, gathered investors, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore actionable solutions for resilient, decentralised electricity markets.
source: Punch