…Govt to Light Highways with 22,000 Solar Streetlights

…Targets Over 500 Participants for Energy Summit

By Olasunkanmi Akoni

At least over N13 trillion is being expended on public electricity consumption by Lagos residents annually.

Meanwhile, Lagos State Government has announced plans to lit highways in the metropolis with 22,000 solar streetlights as part of its sustainable energy solutions.

The state’s Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, disclosed these on Thursday, at a press conference in Alausa, Ikeja, on the forthcoming inaugural Lagos Energy Summit, themed; “Journey to Energy for All.” The event is slated to hold between April 15 and 18, 2025, in Lagos.

The commissioner stated further that the premiere summit would drive the adoption of innovative energy solutions, promote sustainable mineral resources development that would power the State’s socio-economic growth and development, and foster collaboration among stakeholders.

While responding to some questions on electricity consumption cost in the state, the commissioner told Vanguard that, “approximately, N13 trillion are being spent on power consumption annually by both the state government and residents. You would agree with me, this is very huge sum amid epileptic power supply. There is the need for alternative sustainable system.”

On the 22,000 solar streetlights, Ogunleye, stated that using generators to power streetlights was no longer sustainable because of the high cost of diesel, adding that government has already embarked on a more sustainable solution.

He noted that Light-Up Lagos Project would still be sustained in some areas while government has started replacing its assets with more affordable assets and sustainable solutions.

According to him, “Despite the huge cost of powering the streetlights government is struggling to keep those streetlights functional. I can assure that the permanent solution is already in sight.

“Implementation will commence soon. We are dotting the i’s and crossing the T’s. When it is ready, we are planning to install about 22,000 in the first phase which is dedicated to most of our highways you will see the evidence of our commitment ensuring there is no blackout on our streets and highways.”

Ogunleye added that the summit would focus on the newly-enacted Lagos State Electricity Law 2024, as it affects Energy Policies, the Lagos State Energy Regulatory Commission and other related matters. This, he said, would aid the achievement of the State’s energy goals on generation and distribution.

The commissioner said the key objectives of the upcoming programme were to Create a Community of Interest around Identified Energy Solutions: Develop a community of like-minded individuals interested in the development of the State’s goals of ensuring access to Energy for all through innovative solutions, Promoting Sustainable Energy Solutions, Fostering sustainable growth and innovation within the State’s renewable energy market and development among other initiatives.

At the briefing which had in attendance, Commissioner For Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, Ogunleye said the planned summit is not just about discussions but about action, adding that about 5,000 participants and 150 facilitators, speakers, and panelists are expected at the summit, which will have energy expert and former Minister of Power, Professor Bath Nnaji as keynote speaker.

Expected at four days event are; Energy professionals, government officials, private sector investors: Academia and research institutions and environmentalists

He added that representatives from international organizations, development agencies, and Non-Governmental Organisations, NGOs, working on energy-related projects and interested in funding energy projects, the local communities, energy solution providers and financial intuitions are also expected.