The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to accelerating clean energy adoption and driving sustainable development across the State and the West African region at the 14th edition of the West Africa Clean Energy and Environment Trade Fair & Conference (WACEE 2026), held from March 17–18, 2026, at the Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, the Overseeing Permanent Secretary, Engr. Abdulhafiz Toriola, highlighted the State Government’s bold vision, strategic policies, and ongoing investments aimed at advancing West Africa’s green transition.
In his address, the Honourable Commissioner described the conference theme, “Accelerating West Africa’s Green Transition: Innovation, Policy & Investment,” as both timely and critical, noting that it underscores the urgent need to address climate change while unlocking the vast economic potential within the renewable energy sector.
He emphasised that Lagos State, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, is not only committed to clean energy in principle but is actively investing in innovative and scalable solutions to power a sustainable future.
A major highlight of the State’s clean energy drive is the ambitious 2GW Lagos Grid-Scale Solar Programme – one of the largest subnational renewable energy initiatives in Africa. The programme is designed to diversify the State’s energy mix, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and significantly increase the contribution of renewable energy to the grid, while enhancing industrial productivity, improving energy affordability, and positioning Lagos as a leader in Africa’s clean energy revolution.
Complementing this effort is the Imole Eko Programme, which is expanding access to solar energy in underserved and low-income communities, thereby strengthening energy security and promoting inclusivity.
The State Government is also advancing the solarisation of public infrastructure, including plans to retrofit up to 50,000 streetlights with solar technology to reduce emissions, lower operational costs, and improve efficiency.
Ogunleye further said that Lagos has recorded significant progress in deploying renewable energy solutions across critical sectors. These include solar installations in 11 Primary Health Care Centres in rural and peri-urban communities, electrification of 172 schools, and installations in General Hospitals at Ketu-Ejinrin and Ikota. Solar-powered systems have also been deployed in key public institutions such as LTV 8, Lagos Central Mosque, the Chapel of Light, and INEC offices. Additionally, over 22,000 streetlights have already been installed under Phase I, with Phase II expected to deliver an additional 50,000 installations.
He stated that these initiatives are already yielding tangible results, including improved energy reliability, increased private sector participation, and growing investor confidence, further positioning Lagos as a premier destination for green investment and innovation in West Africa.
Ogunleye emphasised that innovation in both technology and policy remains central to Lagos State’s green transition strategy.
He noted that the Lagos Electricity Sector Reform Law has established a framework for a viable subnational electricity market, enabling greater private sector participation, encouraging competition, and prioritising renewable energy development.
He added that Lagos is also laying the foundation for electric mobility through the development of charging infrastructure and pilot programmes for electric buses and two-wheelers, to become the electric mobility hub of West Africa.
Speaking on investment opportunities, the Honourable Commissioner highlighted the transformative impact of the Electricity Act 2023 and the Lagos Electricity Law 2024 in redefining governance structures within Nigeria’s energy sector. He noted that these frameworks provide clarity, strengthen regulatory institutions, and create viable entry points for renewable energy developers, independent power producers, and infrastructure investors.
Ogunleye assured that the Sanwo-Olu-led administration remains committed to maintaining a transparent, stable, and investor-friendly environment through streamlined licensing processes, effective risk mitigation mechanisms, and strong public-private partnerships.
The Honourable Commissioner called on investors, development partners, financial institutions, and technology innovators to take advantage of the vast opportunities within Lagos’ evolving energy market, noting that the State is building a dynamic ecosystem where innovation can thrive and sustainable investments can flourish.
He underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving a successful energy transition, stressing that governments, the private sector, civil society, and international partners must work together to deliver a lasting impact. He highlighted the need to invest in emerging technologies such as battery storage, green hydrogen, and waste-to-energy solutions, while also exploring innovative financing models to support both large-scale infrastructure and community-based energy projects.
Reaffirming Lagos State’s position as a gateway for sustainable investment and a leader in clean energy innovation, he urged all stakeholders to engage actively, build strong partnerships, and take decisive actions toward a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous future for West Africa.
The conference brought together key stakeholders, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore sustainable energy solutions and investment opportunities.
