The Lagos State Government has announced plans to eliminate the electricity band classification system introduced by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in 2024, as it pushes for a more reliable and unified power supply across the state.
Under the NERC framework, electricity consumers are grouped into Bands A to E, where Band A users receive at least 20 hours of electricity daily but pay higher tariffs, while lower bands enjoy subsidised rates with fewer hours of supply. However, Lagos officials believe this structure no longer aligns with the state’s long-term energy vision.
Speaking during a ministerial briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, stated that the government is working toward a future where all residents enjoy uninterrupted electricity without classification. He emphasized Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to achieving a 24-hour power supply, questioning the necessity of persistent power shortages in a modern city like Lagos.
Furthermore, the state has intensified efforts under the Lagos State Electricity Law 2024 to create a competitive electricity market driven by private investment. It has also expanded renewable energy projects, including the installation of over 42,000 smart solar streetlights and energy upgrades in hospitals, schools, and public institutions.
In addition, the government has strengthened infrastructure, deployed battery storage systems across healthcare and educational facilities, and improved grid stability through regulatory reforms. These initiatives, according to Ogunleye, are part of a broader strategy to eliminate dependence on subsidies and transition Lagos into a sustainable 24-hour economy.
