Goli Innocent
Lagos — Lagos State is preparing to lead a bold shift from unreliable grid electricity to solar-powered home systems, offering households and small businesses a practical and sustainable alternative.
The initiative, championed by the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, is designed to allow residents to pay for solar systems in amounts comparable to their existing electricity bills, easing the burden of frequent outages.
Speaking at the inauguration of a solar project for Radio Lagos and Eko FM in Ikeja, Ogunleye disclosed that the first tranche would see 100,000 solar home units deployed. The rollout will be phased, not abrupt, allowing residents to gradually embrace renewable power, particularly in areas where grid supply is most unreliable.
“Just calculate your electricity bill, acquire a solar device of equivalent value, and use it in your home,” Ogunleye urged. He added that subscribers could expand their systems over time, enabling small and medium-scale enterprises to benefit alongside households, thus broadening the initiative’s impact.
Acknowledging that past attempts at renewable energy had met with mixed results, the commissioner encouraged Lagosians to focus on present realities. “Yes, renewable technologies previously introduced in Nigeria may not have succeeded, but given the current challenges with the grid and the strain on our pockets, it is time to think beyond yesterday,” he said. Ogunleye also emphasised the need for energy discipline, advising users to switch off appliances not in use to maintain the longevity of their solar systems.
Drawing from personal experience, Ogunleye noted that his residences have relied entirely on solar power for over eight years, including water heating and all domestic electricity needs. “At one point, we had to install controllers to prevent everything from switching on simultaneously, but the system has worked reliably,” he remarked.
Tayo Ogidan, Chief Executive Officer of Alternatio Navitas Limited, highlighted the urgency for off-grid solutions in Nigeria. He pointed out that the country generates only 4,000–5,000 MW despite an installed capacity of 13,000 MW, serving a population exceeding 220 million. Millions of households and businesses continue to rely on diesel generators, with Nigerians spending roughly N16 trillion in 2023 alone on generators, diesel, and petrol, illustrating the economic imperative for alternatives.
The Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, underlined the government’s rationale, citing the prohibitive cost of powering state infrastructure with diesel generators. “Maintaining generator-powered streetlights cost about N800 million per month, which was neither sustainable nor providing value for money,” he observed.
Lagos State’s solar initiative represents a wider technological shift, signalling a move towards cleaner, safer, and more reliable energy. By empowering residents and businesses to own their power systems, the government seeks not only to reduce dependence on the national grid but also to position Lagos at the forefront of renewable energy adoption in Nigeria.
