Lagos clean energy expansion plans aim to boost economic growth, support SMEs and strengthen climate resilience, officials say

The Lagos State Government has announced fresh plans to advance the large-scale deployment of renewable power solutions as part of a broader strategy to strengthen climate resilience and stimulate economic growth across Nigeria’s commercial capital.

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The disclosure was made on Friday following a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on the Lagos Energy Climate Action Implementation held on Wednesday at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Ikeja.

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Environmental Services, Mr Gaji Omobolaji, said the state was evaluating scalable clean energy options capable of supporting Lagos’ climate commitments while addressing persistent power challenges faced by the informal sector and small and medium enterprises.

Mr Omobolaji described climate change as one of the most pressing threats to human existence, warning that its impacts on urban sustainability, public health and economic productivity were becoming increasingly severe.

Represented by the Director of Climate Change and Environmental Planning, Mr Micheal Bankole, the Permanent Secretary said unlocking renewable energy potential was now essential for a rapidly expanding megacity such as Lagos.

For a city as dynamic and fast-growing as Lagos, he said, clean energy deployment within informal businesses and SMEs was no longer optional but critical to long-term sustainability.

The workshop was organised to present findings from a pilot project implemented under the Lagos Climate Action Plan, with a focus on scaling up solar photovoltaic systems for households and businesses.

Mr Omobolaji said the initiative aligned directly with the state’s low-carbon development goals, while also improving air quality and strengthening climate resilience.

According to him, the pilot schemes were designed to demonstrate practical impact, build institutional confidence and lay a credible foundation for wider adoption of renewable energy solutions.

He noted that technical assistance under the Energy and Waste action areas had shown that policy frameworks alone were insufficient without tangible, on-the-ground demonstration projects.

Inclusive participation, he added, remained central to sustainable climate action, particularly in tackling energy poverty and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Mr Omobolaji said Lagos had committed to cutting emissions by 20 per cent below business-as-usual projections by 2025, 45 per cent by 2035, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, placing significant responsibility on the energy sector.

The Lagos clean energy expansion, he said, also represents a powerful economic opportunity, capable of stimulating enterprise, creating jobs and improving the quality of life for millions of residents.

He expressed confidence that the outcomes of the engagement would strengthen the state’s climate governance framework and support its transition towards a resilient and environmentally responsible megacity.

The Permanent Secretary also acknowledged support from C40 Cities and partners under the UK Government-funded Urban Climate Action Programme, as well as the participation of relevant ministries, departments and agencies.

In a presentation, the Consultant on Lagos Energy Climate Action Implementation, Dr Segun Adaju, said the pilot project had been implemented in communities including Agege, Ikorodu, Yaba, Makoko, Badagry, Apapa, Isheri and Olowora.

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Dr Adaju said the initiative targeted small-scale enterprises to support business growth, with plans to extend the intervention to residential communities in the near future.