By Abdullahi Lukman
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for increased investment and stronger partnerships to expand access to reliable and affordable renewable energy in Lagos and across Africa.
Sanwo-Olu made the call on Monday, after participating in the Global Renewables Summit in New York, held as part of Climate Week NYC.
The governor said Lagos, with a population of more than 24 million, needed urgent action to address its growing energy demands. He stressed that access to clean and reliable electricity could not be delayed.
Speaking at the summit, Sanwo-Olu said Africa had the resources needed to accelerate its transition to renewable energy but required greater investment and financing to make clean power affordable and accessible.
He disclosed that his administration had approved 15 renewable energy distribution projects in Lagos, but said limited access to funding remained a major obstacle to their implementation.
“Funds are available but investors are often unwilling to take the first risk,” the governor said.
Sanwo-Olu also called for stronger partnerships and financing mechanisms that recognise the economic realities and opportunities across African countries.
He said Lagos was ready to contribute to the global clean energy transition and urged greater African participation in shaping the future of the global energy sector.
The Global Renewables Summit brought together governments, businesses, investors and international organisations to advance renewable-powered electrification ahead of COP31.
