Lagos Targets 24-Hour Electricity, Moves to End “Band A–D” System
The Lagos State Government says it is working toward a future where electricity distribution is no longer defined by the current Band A–D classification system, with a long-term goal of achieving uninterrupted power supply across the state.
The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, made this known on Monday during an inter-ministerial briefing held to showcase the achievements of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration in the energy sector over the past year.
Push for improved electricity supply
Ogunleye was responding to concerns raised about the poor electricity situation in some communities, particularly in the Aboru area of Lagos, which currently falls under Band D and receives less than three hours of power supply daily.
He said the state government’s focus is not on managing the banding system, but on eliminating it entirely by improving overall power generation and distribution capacity.
According to him, Lagos is working towards a system where residents can enjoy stable and continuous electricity supply.
“Let me say this, part of what we are trying to enable is an environment that eliminates banding. Banding says that you have 3, 8, 12, or 21 hours of light,” he said.
“We are saying that — is it impossible to have continuous power supply? Mr Governor has thrown the challenge and even repeated it again. Is it impossible to have 24-hour power supply? I strongly believe that we can do it.”
Embedded power and private sector role
Ogunleye also revealed that the state is targeting an additional 2,000 megawatts of embedded power generation through partnerships with private investors.
He said Lagos is adopting a model that encourages private sector participation in electricity generation and distribution, rather than relying solely on federal infrastructure.
“We cannot continue to depend entirely on the federal government. We must have a stable and productive Lagos,” he said.
“Without electricity, there will be zero development and our people’s opportunities will not be maximised.”
Short-term relief expected
The commissioner added that residents may begin to experience improved electricity supply within the next six to 12 months as embedded power projects begin to come online.
He noted that Lagos currently regulates 12 independent power producers, out of which seven are already commercially operational.
Infrastructure upgrades ongoing
Ogunleye also disclosed that the state government has rehabilitated 37.7 kilometres of 132KV transmission lines along key corridors including Badagry and Epe to strengthen grid reliability and improve overall network performance.
He said the reforms are part of a broader effort to stabilise electricity supply and support economic growth in Africa’s largest city.
