The Federal Government is considering the creation of special energy zones to provide round-the-clock electricity to homes, businesses and industries in Nigeria’s major commercial and industrial centres.
Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe said the initiative would focus on areas with high electricity demand and form part of the government’s effort to expand infrastructure in line with the country’s economic growth.
The proposed energy zones would cover the Lagos axis, the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor and the Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor.
Tegbe disclosed the plan after a closed-door meeting with the management of selected electricity distribution companies. He said the government had begun discussions with the DisCos on how the zones would be developed and operated.
According to him, the initiative would address challenges across the electricity value chain, including constraints in generation, transmission and distribution.
He said the problem was not only the amount of power generated or transmitted but also the capacity of distribution companies to receive available electricity and deliver it efficiently to consumers.
The proposed zones are expected to improve power supply in high-demand locations, unlock commercial and industrial activity and strengthen the revenue and collection performance of DisCos.
The minister said local electricity distribution companies would participate in the programme, which is intended to create a more dependable supply system for businesses and residents within the selected corridors.
He added that the initiative supports President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which identifies reliable energy as essential to economic growth, industrialisation and job creation.
Tegbe also reaffirmed the government’s plan to continue expanding electricity infrastructure in areas where demand is rising, stressing that supply capacity must grow alongside the needs of the economy.
## Gas Investment Needed
The proposed energy zones come as industry leaders continue to call for greater investment in Nigeria’s gas infrastructure.
The Chief Executive Officer of Seplat Energy, Effiong Okon, said Nigeria’s proven gas reserves of more than 215 trillion cubic feet could provide power for homes and factories if supported by adequate investment.
Speaking at an energy conference themed “Positioning Nigeria as Africa’s Global Gas Powerhouse,” Okon said the value of the reserves could only be realised through sustained investment in gas production, processing, transportation and utilisation facilities.
He noted that gas reserves underground could not power homes or industries unless the resource was produced and delivered reliably to consumers.
Okon also identified energy poverty as one of Africa’s major challenges, noting that an estimated 600 million people in sub-Saharan Africa still lack access to electricity.
He said Nigeria needed to convert its gas resources into reliable energy access, industrial development, economic growth and improved living standards.