Lagos State Government has commissioned major electricity infrastructure projects in the Gbaji-Seme and Owode-Apa axis of Badagry West Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

The commissioning aimed at restoring reliable power supply and improving economic activities in the border communities after over a decade of electricity disruption.

The projects, facilitated by the Lagos State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, in collaboration with the Lagos State Electrification Agency (LSEA), include the construction of three electrical distribution towers crossing the Gbaji Lagoon and the rehabilitation of power infrastructure along the Gbaji-Seme and Owode-Apa corridor.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who spoke during the commissioning yesterday, said the projects represent more than the installation of power infrastructure but a deliberate effort to restore confidence and economic opportunities in communities that have waited for improved electricity supply.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Obafemi Hamzat, noted that Badagry holds strategic importance in Lagos and Nigeria because of its position as a border corridor linking the country to the Republic of Benin and the wider West African region.

He said that improved infrastructure, particularly electricity, is critical to unlocking the economic potential of the area.

“Badagry occupies a unique place in the story of Lagos State. It is not only a historic town of immense cultural significance; it is also one of the most important gateways into our state and our country. Badagry holds tremendous economic potential for trade, commerce, and cross-border enterprise,” he said.

According to him, the electrification works will significantly strengthen power distribution across the Gbaji-Seme and Owode-Apa axis, allowing people to benefit from stable electricity supply.

The governor said the project aligns with the state government’s THEMES+ development agenda, particularly its focus on expanding energy access and building resilient infrastructure to support economic growth.

He, however, noted that the recent inauguration of the board of the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission would help the state to regulate and expand electricity supply more effectively so that infrastructure investments deliver lasting benefits.

Sanwo-Olu, while commending the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Lagos State Electrification Agency for delivering the project, as well as acknowledging the support of members of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Badagry constituencies, urged residents of the benefiting communities to protect the infrastructure from vandalism.

The Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Biodun Ogunleye, described the commissioning as a major milestone for both Badagry West LCDA and Lagos State, noting that the project was designed to strengthen electricity distribution capacity and improve the quality of life for residents and businesses.

He said that the project includes three high-capacity tower crossings, rehabilitated 33kV distribution lines along the Gbaji-Seme and Owode-Apa corridors and the connection of 51 transformer substations.

Ogunleye noted that the connection of 51 transformer substations would significantly expand last-mile electricity access and improve voltage stability for communities that previously struggled with inadequate supply.

Chairman of the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Energy and Mineral Resources, Sabur Akanbi Oluwa, said the electrification project would stimulate economic activities and improve security in the benefiting communities, adding that the House of Assembly would continue to support legislative frameworks that promote energy security and infrastructure development across the state.

The General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State Electrification Agency (LSEA), Engr. Kamaldeen Abiodun Balogun, who presented the project brief, said the intervention restored the 33kV distribution network serving the Gbaji-Seme and Owode-Apa corridor after years of disruption caused by vandalism.

He noted that the project involved the construction of three distribution towers across the Gbaji Lagoon, rehabilitation of power lines and installation of 51 transformer substations along the 37.7-kilometre route, adding that the infrastructure is expected to restore reliable electricity supply, revive economic activities and improve the overall quality of life for residents of the benefiting communities.