The Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has launched a strategic initiative aimed at addressing the persistent energy supply crisis that has plagued the state, exacerbated by unreliable power sources and frequent blackouts. The initiative was unveiled during a media briefing for the inaugural three-day energy summit, titled “Journey to Energy for All,” scheduled for April 15th to 17th at the Oriental Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.
The summit will bring together key industry stakeholders to explore solutions and strategies for transforming Lagos into a 24-hour economy, positioning it as a prime destination for investment, entertainment, and social activities. The event aims to spark discussions on sustainable energy practices and the role they play in addressing both local and global energy challenges.
At the media briefing, the Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, emphasized that the summit would focus on driving policy development, capacity building, community engagement, research, and collaborative partnerships. These efforts are part of the broader agenda to foster innovation and promote the sustainable development of mineral resources, aligned with the state’s newly enacted electricity law of 2024.
Ogunleye noted that the summit’s goals extend to promoting innovative energy solutions that can eliminate the reliance on dirty fuels and bring about more stable power supplies. He also took the opportunity to remind the public of the state’s history of addressing energy challenges, pointing to the Enron Badges IPP project initiated by former Governor Bola Tinubu in 1999. This was an early attempt to resolve energy issues and lay the groundwork for subsequent reforms, culminating in the recent legislation that empowers state governments to regulate electricity in their regions.
The Commissioner further stressed that the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has evolved into a pivotal institution, dedicated to realizing the vision of “Energy for All” and transforming Lagos into a city capable of supporting round-the-clock economic activities. Through these efforts, the state aims to create an energy ecosystem that supports sustainable growth, attracts investment, and enhances the quality of life for its residents.
As the summit approaches, the ministry remains focused on ensuring that the solutions discussed will have a lasting impact, not just on energy provision, but on Lagos’s broader economic and social development.
