Breaking News: Lagos State Electricity Regulator Issues Distribution Licenses to Lagos DisCos

Following the decentralisation of the Nigerian Electricity Market to allow State Governments to participate in the electricity market by creating electricity market and regulating same within the state territories, the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) has officially issued distribution licences to Excel Distribution Company Limited and IE Energy Lagos Limited.

Excel is a subsidiary company of Eko Disco while IE Energy Lagos is the subsidiary company of Ikeja Electric Plc. You will recall that by law the Discos were mandated to create subsidiary companies that will manage the operations of the Discos franchise areas within each State territory. You would also recall that Disco operations now fall within the regulatory oversight of the regulatory authority set up under a State’s electricity law.

This is a new milestone towards the implementation of the Lagos State Electricity Policy and the journey towards the creation of a competitive electricity market in the State.

The licence presentation ceremony, which held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, on Thursday, 02, 2025, brought together amongst other Stakeholders, the representatives of the new Licensees and the LASERC Commissioners, Engr. Abimbola Odubiyi (Chairman), Dr. Fouad Animashaun (the Executive Commissioner/CEO), Mrs. Kofo Olokun Olawoyin (Executive Commissioner, Legal, Licensing and Compliance), Engr Oluwaseun Fadare (Executive Commissioner, Engineering and Standards) and Mr. Tunde Gbajumo (the Non-Executive Commissioner).

At the event, Folake Soetan signed on behalf of IE Energy Lagos Limited, while Sheri Adegbenro signed for Excel Electricity Distribution Limited.

With the newly issued licenses, the implication is that Eko Electricity Distribution Plc and Ikeja Electric will transfer electricity distribution activities within the Lagos Electricity Market to their respective subsidiary companies. The legally recognised electricity distribution entities will now be Excel Electricity Distribution Limited and IE Energy Lagos Limited. 

In his remarks, LASERC Chairman, Abimbola Odubiyi, noted: “This is another defining moment in Lagos’ journey towards a reliable and sustainable electricity market. The Commission will continue to uphold the principles of independence, transparency, and service to the people of Lagos.”

He further thanked critical stakeholders in Lagos for their continued support and dedication to the vision of setting up the Commission.

He therefore thanked very specially, The Executive Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, the Chairman of the Power Committee, House of Assembly, Hon. Akanbi Oluwa and the Honourable Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye.

Also speaking, Dr. Fouad Animashaun, Chief Executive Officer of LASERC, highlighted the significance of the event:

“The issuance of these licences underscores our commitment to enabling private sector participation. By expanding competition, we are ensuring that Lagosians can look forward to better access, improved reliability, and affordable electricity supply.”

The representatives of the newly licensed companies expressed optimism about the opportunities ahead. Mr. Kola Adeshina, speaking for IE Energy, stated: “We are honoured to be part of this transformative journey. Our focus will be on deploying innovative solutions that deliver value to customers across Lagos.”

Similarly, Sheri Adegbenro, representing Excel Distribution Company, remarked that “This licence is both a privilege and a responsibility. Excel is committed to partnering with LASERC to strengthen power distribution in the State, ensuring that customers experience real improvements in service.”

This achievement firmly aligns with the laudable visions of the State to regulate power fairly and ensure electricity for all.