Lagos is charting a new path to tackle Nigeria’s persistent power shortages by shifting away from the country’s fragile central grid. Backed by recent reforms, the state has secured up to 400 megawatts of additional electricity through agreements with three independent energy companies, aiming to power public facilities more reliably. This move follows Lagos becoming the first state to fully regulate its own electricity market, a model now being explored by over 20 others. The state has also scrapped contracts that required payment even when no power was delivered, replacing them with straightforward pay-for-what-you-use agreements. By taking this step, officials hope to improve efficiency and accountability. While challenges like gas supply and financing remain, Lagos’ approach signals a bold experiment in decentralizing energy and reducing dependence on a struggling national system.
Reuters
