On 22 November 2022, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) Power Africa Nigeria Power Sector Program and the Lagos State Government held a handover ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Lagos State Integrated Resource Plan.
As the most populous city in Nigeria, Lagos has a critical need for access to a stable and reliable energy supply for its long-term, sustainable development. Lagos State has a predicted increase in peak electricity demand by as much as 400% by 2040.
The Integrated Resource Plan serves as a roadmap and blueprint to improve sector planning and coordination while providing guidance on Lagos State energy development requirements to stakeholders, including federal and state agencies, regulators, power generators, electricity transmitters and distributors, investors, and consumers.
The Integrated Resource Plan looks to bolster the overall energy security for Lagos State by outlining its resource development plans for the next 20 years in order to meet the long-term electricity needs of the State’s residents, businesses, industries, and public/government premises such as hospitals and health clinics.
“Tools such as this Integrated Resource Plan are a concrete testament to the relationship between the U.S. and Lagos State and are reflective of the need to be forward looking as we both work together to create a sustainable and equitable future.,” explained U.S. Consul General, Will Stevens.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Olalere Odusote, stated, “The energy sector is critical to the T.H.E.M.E.S (Traffic Management and Transportation, Health and Environment, Education and Technology, Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy, Entertainment and Tourism, and Security and Governance) agenda of the Babajide Olusola-Sanwoolu Administration and the overall development plan of the Lagos State Government. As the State Government works towards developing a Lagos Electricity Market that delivers reliable and sustainable electricity to its residents, the Lagos State Integrated Resource Plan serves as a vital roadmap to guide the implementation of a comprehensive electrification strategy that is best suited for the long-term energy needs of the State. The completion of this IRP is a significant milestone achievement for the Lagos State Government as it moves toward improving electricity access in the State.
“Our goal is to deliver sustainable and reliable electricity to Lagosians, and the Lagos State IRP takes us one step closer towards achieving this goal.” explained the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. In his closing remarks, the Governor further stated “We are grateful for the support of the USAID, the Power Africa-Nigeria Power Sector Program, as well as our partners in progress – the state electricity sector stakeholders (Ikeja Electric, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Transmission Company of Nigeria, Rural Electrification Agency, Egbin PLC, Dangote Industries Limited and Niger Delta Power Holding Company) for their active contribution for the successful completion of the Lagos State Integrated Resource Plan.
USAID and Power Africa will continue to collaborate with Lagos State to implement the plan to further support power sector planning and coordination and provide guidance to stakeholders on Lagos State power system development requirements.