Lagos State is seeking practical solutions to persistent electricity challenges, including metering gaps, energy accessibility and supply reliability, as stakeholders prepare for the 2026 Lagos Energy Summit.
The three-day summit, scheduled for November 10 to 12, will bring together government officials, regulators, electricity distribution companies, investors, engineers and other stakeholders to develop strategies for a more reliable and sustainable energy system.
The summit’s theme is “The Lagos Energy Evolution: Transforming the Future.”
Speaking at a press conference organised ahead of the event, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr Biodun Ogunleye, said the summit would strengthen collaboration and generate practical solutions to challenges facing the state’s energy sector.
He said discussions from the previous edition had influenced the implementation of some state energy initiatives, adding that the first two days of this year’s summit would focus on discussions and stakeholder engagements.
Ogunleye said the energy transition required contributions from government, citizens, academia, investors, innovators and technical professionals, while commissioners from other states were expected to attend and share experiences.
He disclosed that secondary school students would also participate through clean energy initiatives, showcasing projects developed in their schools and homes as part of efforts to encourage young people to engage with the sector.
Key issues expected to feature at the summit include electricity distribution, clean energy operations, energy efficiency, renewable energy accessibility, metering challenges and the transition to alternative fuels for transportation.
The commissioner also highlighted the growing adoption of compressed natural gas and electric vehicles as alternatives to petrol and diesel-powered vehicles.
He said the summit would explore ways to strengthen energy security, improve efficiency, expand economic opportunities and support Lagos’ industrial development.
Ogunleye further disclosed that discussions were ongoing between the federal and state governments on issues concerning greater control of Lagos’ energy infrastructure, expressing optimism that the engagements would produce positive outcomes.
He added that the state’s energy development agenda extended beyond electricity to include oil and gas.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Ibilola Kasumu, described reliable electricity as essential to economic and social development, noting that inadequate power supply remained a major obstacle to Nigeria’s progress.
Kasumu said the summit was designed to move beyond discussions by bringing actual industry challenges before stakeholders across the electricity value chain, including regulators, distribution companies, suppliers, resellers and other operators.
She said the objective was to develop a practical framework for achieving stable, 24-hour electricity supply, beginning with Lagos and potentially extending successful solutions to other parts of the country.
She urged stakeholders to register and participate actively by presenting the challenges they face to support the development of workable solutions.
The ministry said the summit would also provide opportunities to showcase innovations, strengthen partnerships and develop strategies for a more accessible and sustainable energy future.