FG Unveils Energy Zone Plan for 24-Hour Power in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Others

The Federal Government has commenced discussions with electricity distribution companies over plans to establish special Energy Zones aimed at delivering stable, 24-hour electricity to homes, businesses and industries in some of Nigeria’s highest-demand areas.

The proposed initiative was disclosed on Wednesday, September 30, following a strategic closed-door meeting between the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, and the leadership of selected electricity distribution companies and energy-sector operators.

According to the information released by the minister’s media aide, Adeola Adelabu, the initial focus will be on three major economic corridors: the Lagos axis, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor and Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor. These areas contain major residential, commercial and industrial centres with significant electricity demand.

The government’s proposal is designed around the recognition that Nigeria’s electricity challenge extends beyond generation. Tegbe said limitations within the distribution segment can prevent available electricity from being adequately received and delivered to consumers, even when power has been generated and transmitted.

The proposed Energy Zones are therefore expected to concentrate infrastructure improvements in locations where demand is already high. The government says this approach could help bridge the gap between electricity available on the grid and the amount that distribution networks can effectively deliver to end users.

For businesses and industries, the initiative is also being presented as an economic intervention. The government expects improved electricity availability in high-demand areas to unlock additional commercial and industrial activity while strengthening the revenue and collection performance of electricity distribution companies.

The meeting reportedly involved representatives of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Ikeja Electric, Eko Power, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and Sahara Energy Group. Their participation points to an effort to involve operators within the electricity distribution and energy value chain in designing the proposed zones.

Tegbe also reiterated the Federal Government’s intention to expand electricity infrastructure in areas where demand is rising, arguing that power supply capacity must develop alongside Nigeria’s expanding economy. The proposal consequently places particular emphasis on locations with substantial commercial and industrial activity.

The Energy Zone proposal comes against the backdrop of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s electricity market. Earlier in September, Tegbe said the government was not planning an immediate electricity tariff increase and disclosed that authorities were pursuing measures to address financial and infrastructure challenges across the power sector.

However, the latest Energy Zone announcement remains a proposal under discussion, rather than an announcement that 24-hour electricity has already commenced in the identified locations. The government has not yet publicly provided a detailed implementation timetable, specific generation capacity for each zone or a comprehensive breakdown of the infrastructure investments required.

For millions of Nigerians and businesses that depend heavily on electricity for daily activities, the proposed zones could mark a significant shift toward concentrating power-sector investment around areas of intense demand. Whether the plan translates into sustained 24-hour supply will ultimately depend on the capacity of generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure to work together effectively.