Sanwo-Olu, Barth Nnaji urge action on energy sector reform

By Adeola Ogunrinde

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and former Minister of Power, Professor Barth Nnaji, have called on stakeholders in Nigeria’s power sector to fully embrace the opportunities presented by the unbundling of the energy sector to drive affordable and sustainable electricity access across the country.

Speaking on Tuesday at the maiden edition of the Lagos Energy Summit, themed “Journey to Energy for All”, the duo emphasized that reforms in the power sector are critical for national development and should be maximized to ensure reliable energy delivery to Nigerians.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in his remarks, underscored the vital role energy plays in economic growth, industrialization, and improved quality of life. He stressed the need to reform the sector to unlock its full potential and position Lagos—and the country—as a hub for sustainable development.

Delivering the keynote address, Professor Nnaji echoed the governor’s position, noting that the decentralization of power generation and distribution would improve efficiency, foster healthy competition, and drive innovation. He urged investors and government agencies to seize the opportunities created by the unbundling to solve Nigeria’s long-standing energy challenges.

The former minister also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for building on the electricity sustainability efforts initiated during the Bola Tinubu administration.

Nnaji revealed that an estimated 80 million Nigerians still lack access to electricity, urging governments at all levels to act decisively in bridging the gap.

“In the next 20 years, natural gas will be the fuel to power electricity,” Nnaji said, highlighting Nigeria’s reserves of over 210 trillion cubic feet of gas as a major advantage in the transition to cleaner energy sources.

In his welcome address, Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, said the summit was designed to lay a solid foundation for a sustainable energy future. He affirmed the state government’s commitment to continuous engagement, data-driven research, and innovation to make Lagos a more livable and economically vibrant city.

Ogunleye added that the event would also serve as a platform to anchor the Lagos Gas Master Plan and promote e-mobility. He stressed the importance of public-private partnerships in driving energy transformation and building a strong community of stakeholders focused on collaborative progress.