Lagos,USAID partner to boost electricity access for residents
By Innocent Obasi
Residents of Nigeria’s commercial capital may soon enjoy reliable access to electricity following the completion of the Lagos State Integrated Resource Plan (IRP).
The plan, aimed at bolstering the overall energy security for residents. will outline a framework to meet future electricity demand in the state by establishing the availability of fuel and electricity generation resources within the state and ensuring that these resources are transparently allocated to credible and capable private sector players who will then deliver energy into the Lagos electricity market, according to the Lagos electricity policy.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State governor, and Will Stevens, US consul-general, on Tuesday held a handover ceremony to celebrate the completion of the IRP which process of development commenced in H2 2022, powered by the Lagos State government with the support of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Power Africa Nigeria Power Sector Program (PA-NPSP).
The project is hinged on the recognition that access to a stable and sustainable energy supply is critical for the long-term, sustainable development of more than 15 million residents of Lagos State. As the most populous in Nigeria, Lagos State has a projected increase in peak electricity demand by as much as 400 percent by 2040.
The IRP serves as a roadmap and blueprint to improve sector planning and coordination while providing guidance on Lagos State energy development requirements to stakeholders, including federal and state agencies, regulators, power generators, electricity transmitters and distributors, investors, and consumers.
The plan will improve sector planning and coordination to provide stable and sustainable energy to all citizens and businesses. It will outline resource development plans for the next 20 years to meet the long-term electricity needs of the state’s residents, businesses, industries, and public/government premises such as hospitals and health clinics.
The IRP will be regularly reviewed to ensure that it remains relevant to the needs of Lagosians.
Consul-general Stevens expressed the US government’s commitment to expanding and supporting the modernization of Lagos’ energy sector, building a foundation for broad and inclusive economic and social development.
“This Integrated Resource Plan is a concrete testament to the partnership between the United States and Lagos State as we both work together to create a sustainable and equitable future,” he said.
The US government, USAID and Power Africa said they would continue to collaborate with Lagos State to implement the plan to further support power sector planning and coordination and provide guidance to stakeholders on Lagos State power system development requirements.