Lagos Residents Burn N14 Trillion Fuel Yearly to Power Generators for Homes, Businesses
- The Lagos government has revealed that residents spend about N14 trillion annually on fuel for 4.5 million generators used in homes and businesses
- A report highlighted the inefficiency and environmental impact of these generators, which collectively produce 21,000 megawatts of power
- Governor Sanwo-Olu stressed the state's commitment to addressing energy access through diversified and clean energy sources
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Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology, Banking and the Economy.
Lagos State Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, revealed that Lagos residents spend about N14 trillion each year on fuel for their power generators.
He explained that there are approximately 4.5 million generators in homes and offices across Lagos, consuming around 16 billion litres of fuel annually.
Source: UGC
Ogunleye made these remarks during the opening of the ongoing Lagos Energy Summit, titled "The Journey to Energy for All."
An earlier report by Legit.ng had shown that Nigeria is one of the biggest importers of electric generators in Africa. According to the report, Lagos, Nigeria's commercial capital, led other states with the most use of electric generators.
Due to an abysmal power sector, the importation of electric generators has been on the rise since 1996.
Generators consume 16 billion litres of fuel annually
In his speech, Ogunleye emphasised that the summit aimed to reflect on and reaffirm a commitment to providing energy to every household and business.
He also expressed concern over the long-standing issue of frequent power outages in Lagos.
The commissioner highlighted that a joint study conducted by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and SEforALL had revealed the extent to which Lagos depends on self-generated power.
He said:
“Lagos has an estimated 4.5 million generators spread across residential homes, market clusters, and MSMEs.
“These generators consume 16 billion litres of fuel annually, costing Lagosians about N14 tn at today’s average price of N900/litre.
“They emit 38 million tonnes of CO every year—a shocking contrast to entire countries like Togo (9.8m), Rwanda (10.6m), and Gabon (10.2m).”
He explained that these generators collectively generate a huge 21,000 megawatts of power, but do so in a way that is inefficient, costly, and private.
The study found that 72% of households own at least one generator, 94% of small businesses depend on them, and 76% of market areas cannot operate without them.
He mentioned that the Electricity Act, signed by President Bola Tinubu in 2023, has allowed states like Lagos to take control of their own electricity markets.
With the Lagos Electricity Law signed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the commissioner highlighted that the state plans to diversify its energy sources, incorporating solar, gas, hydro, and other clean energy options.
Source: UGC
In his speech, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed shame that Nigeria is still struggling with poor electricity supply in today's world.
He emphasised that in creating a smart city, no home should be left without power in the 21st century.
Sanwo-Olu stated that Lagos is committed to solving energy access issues in a sustainable way, and that this vision supports global climate goals aimed at creating a resilient and sustainable future for future generations.
Recall that the Federal Government had announced that it would soon commence periodic testing of generators and vehicles for toxic and gas emissions in order to reduce air pollution in the country.
Elumelu gives grant to Nigerian graduate who built fuelless generator
Meanwhile, Oyekunle Michael, a computer science graduate from Interlink Polytechnic, has received a non-refundable $5,000 (over N7 million) seed grant from businessman Tony Elumelu for inventing a fuel-free generator.
The young man, whose parents are separated, told Legit.ng exclusively that he got the grant after being selected by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF).
He expressed gratitude to Elumelu and the CEO of the businessman's foundation for the opportunity.
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Source: Legit.ng
