The Lagos State Government (LASG) has issued a warning to electricity operators, announcing that firms engaging in regulated electricity activities without appropriate licensing from the state will face a fine of N20 million.
This directive was contained in a statement by the Deputy Director of Public Affairs of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC), Adetola Idowu, obtained on Wednesday.
The order, identified as Order No. LASERC ORDER/001/2025, according to the commission, formally establishes the framework for electricity market operations in Lagos and takes immediate effect.
According to LASERC, the order marks the official conclusion of the transition of regulatory oversight from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to the Lagos authority, as authorised by the Electricity Act 2023 and the Lagos State Electricity Law 2024.
The commission stated that all electricity-related activities conducted in Lagos must now be under licences or permits issued by LASERC alone.
It also warned that possessing a license from any other regulatory body would not exempt violators from sanctions under the new legal framework.
‘All unlicensed operators must immediately cease regulated activities and apply for appropriate licensing from the commission.
‘Violators face penalties including fines of not less than N20 million and an additional N20,000 for each day of continued non-compliance’, LASERC said in the statement.
Operators uncertain about their licensing status were advised to seek formal clarification from the commission to avoid penalties.
The order also affirmed that existing national regulatory tools, including tariff guidelines, grid codes, safety standards, and metering regulations, remained applicable within Lagos State until the commission decided otherwise.
In the statement, the Chief Executive Officer and Commissioner of LASERC, Dr Fouad Animashaun, underscored the commission’s commitment to establishing a more secure and efficient power market.
‘This order reinforces LASERC’s mandate to ensure a safe, efficient, and reliable electricity market in Lagos.
‘We are committed to upholding global standards and protecting electricity user and investor interests in the evolving power sector’, Animashaun said.
