Lagos State has handed out 14 new power plant licenses to independent power producers. The move marks Nigeria's first major shift toward state-controlled electricity regulation.
This bold step aligns with Lagos's Electricity Law 2024. The new framework allows the state to generate, transmit, and distribute power independently.
All 14 operators will work outside the traditional federal grid system. They'll focus on off-grid generation, metering systems, and embedded generation.
At a recent stakeholders' meeting, officials unveiled plans to eliminate blackouts across the megacity. The strategy centers on building a local, sustainable, and competitive market.
Temitope George, chief executive of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission, told attendees the new operators would deliver critical megawatts. "These 14 new operators will be providing more megawatts.
We are also licensing more GENCOs," she said.
Two weeks ago, the state signed Power Purchase Agreements with three IPPs at the State House. Officials aim to reach 300 megawatts in coming months.
According to George, this expansion will guarantee Lagosians round-the-clock electricity. "What we want to achieve is a fully efficient market where investors will cover all reasonably incurred costs and receive a reasonable return," she noted.
She stressed that partnership and continuous stakeholder engagement drive real progress. Reform efforts create fresh opportunities for investment and modern clean energy adoption.
LASERC envisions becoming a leading electricity regulator across West Africa. George said the commission will set standards, protect consumers, back innovation, and push clean energy solutions statewide.
Among licensed companies is Axxela Limited, rated at 5.8MW capacity. Daybreak Power Solutions Limited received approval for 16,224kWp spread across multiple sites.
Isolo Power Supply Limited and New Hampshire Capital also got licenses. GoosLink Engineering Limited received approval for 330KV operations.
Enaro Energy Mini-Grid Limited joined the list as an interconnected mini-grid operator. All companies met strict regulatory and industry standards before approval.
Biodun Ogunleye, the state's Energy and Mineral Resources commissioner, called the licenses a "farewell to the culture of darkness." He pledged Lagos would cut blackouts and boost supply to every community.
Each licensed operator underwent rigorous compliance checks. Officials confirmed all met required technical and financial benchmarks.
Industry experts view the state's independence move as transformative. Observers say decentralized power generation could reshape Nigeria's entire energy sector.
The licenses represent Lagos's determination to solve decades-old power challenges. Success here could inspire similar reforms across other Nigerian states.
