Lagos as the only state in Nigeria with a Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has arguably the most aggressive energy development agenda in the country. The state government has embarked upon several energy-related projects over the last few years. From Independent Power Plants (IPPs) to Public Lighting, to Solar Energy Projects; Youth Development programs to Household Energy and Emissions Calculators, the state is strategically increasing power supply in a sustainable and socio-economic manner.
The IPPs are designed to take the state government’s facilities such as water works, hospitals, courts and schools off the national grid, thereby releasing the limited supply of electricity for use by private consumers of the state. They also eradicate the need for generators within these facilities resulting in a cleaner environment for all. The state currently has three operational Independent Power Plants (IPPs) – Akute Power Plant, Island Power Plant and Alausa Power Plant.
The state government under its strategic and innovative energy development initiatives has announced October 2013 as “Energy Conservation Month,” a novel move that is among other things aimed at inculcating the attitude of judicious use of energy in the residents of the state.
During this dedicated one-month period, the state government through its Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the implementing agency Lagos State Electricity Board (LSEB) has developed an Energy Conservation Campaign. The “Conserve Energy, Save Money” (CESM) campaign will use Behaviour Change Communication materials that carry step by step, do it yourself instructions on energy efficiency and conservation improvements to save Lagosians money and make our city more energy efficient.
Speaking at a media briefing to flag off the series of activities that will be carried out before and during the dedicated month, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Engr. Taofiq Tijani said as a prelude to the Energy Conservation Month, Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) and musician Jude Abaga aka M.I. will engage youths on Google Hangout to enlighten them on responsible ways to use energy.
‘‘The intent of the initiative is to bridge the gap in conversations surrounding the energy development within the state. Citizens are encouraged to log on to www.lseb.gov.ng to follow instructions on how to participate at the Google Hangout with BRF and to also follow the Governor on his Google Plus Page @ Babatunde Fashola,” he said.
He commissioner further stated that there will also be energy conservation activations at the E-Center, Yaba and a couple of other locations on the Island where Lagosians will have the opportunity to learn how they can calculate their energy consumption on the spot.
Engr. Tijani added that the formal commissioning of two Independent Power Plants (IPPs) – first of which is the newly built 10.4 MW plant at Alausa, Ikeja and the Island Power Expansion Project on Lagos Island – are among significant events that will take place in the course of the special Energy Conservation Month.
Besides, he disclosed that sensitisation awareness for the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) initiative will also be carried out in Ikorodu as part of efforts to further encourage more residents to embrace the use of LPG as a safer, cost effective and health and environment-friendly cooking gas alternative to kerosene stove, firewood and charcoal.
The Commissioner explained that all of these initiatives underlined the commitment of the Fashola administration to the provision of a holistic solution to the perennial power problem that has inhibited socio-economic development of not just the state but Nigeria as a whole, for long.
“Our energy initiatives in Lagos State are a clear demonstration of innovative approach to good governance and much more in bringing radical solutions to the epileptic power problem in Nigeria. We are delighted to be the first state in Nigeria to show leadership in novel power generation and power management solutions,” he said.
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