Lagos Launches Installation Of 22,000 Solar-Powered Streetlights.

The Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of the installation of over 22,000 solar-powered streetlights across the state under the Light Up Lagos Solar Streetlight Initiative.

The project is being executed by the Lagos State Electrification Agency (LSEA) with oversight from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, according to a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs at LSEA, Ololade Agboola.

The agency explained that the initiative is part of efforts to enhance night-time visibility, improve public safety, and promote energy sustainability. It noted that for decades, public lighting in Lagos relied heavily on grid electricity and diesel-powered generators, a system described as costly, unreliable, and environmentally damaging.

Speaking on the project, the General Manager of LSEA, Kamaldeen Balogun, said the transition to solar-powered lighting aligns with the state’s wider environmental and energy-efficiency objectives.

“This project underscores Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to building a cleaner, greener, and safer Lagos,” Balogun said. “By reducing dependence on fossil fuels and harnessing solar energy, we are illuminating the city while safeguarding the environment for future generations.”

He added that the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, led by Commissioner Biodun Ogunleye, is providing policy guidance to ensure the initiative aligns with the state’s long-term renewable energy strategy.

Ogunleye also described the project as a collective step towards sustainability, noting that it goes beyond road lighting to improving safety, driving development, and supporting a cleaner environment for residents.

The LSEA disclosed that several major routes have already been fully lit, including Governor’s Road at the Alausa Secretariat in Ikeja, Mobolaji Johnson Way, Herbert Macaulay Way in Yaba, Bode Thomas Road in Surulere, Muritala Muhammed Way in Ebute-Metta, Jibowu, Market Street in Oyingbo, Iddo, Eko Bridge, Marina Bridge, Governor’s Road in Ikotun, and the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge.

Installations are also ongoing along Ikorodu Road from Anthony to Fadeyi, Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way, the Ikeja Bridge, Western Avenue, the Gbagada–Oshodi Expressway, Alapere/Ogudu, Agric–Ikorodu, and additional sections of Ikorodu Road. Work is also scheduled to extend to the Lekki–Epe Expressway.

Balogun stated that the deployment is being carried out in phases to ensure statewide coverage. “Each light installed represents progress and improved safety for our communities. We are taking a systematic approach to ensure no area is left in darkness,” he said.

The agency added that the project is being fully designed and implemented by LSEA personnel, a strategy aimed at maintaining high quality standards and enabling efficient in-house maintenance.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had earlier indicated that within a year, most streetlights in Lagos would be solar-powered. Speaking at the NAPE 2024 Conference in November through the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Ogunleye, the governor said the state had already committed to installing 22,000 solar streetlights.

He noted that the solar-powered systems are designed to function for up to two to three days without direct sunlight, underscoring the government’s commitment to sustainable and reliable public lighting across Lagos.