30,000 Lagosians Die Yearly from Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, Government Warns
The Lagos State Government has raised concern over the number of people dying from carbon monoxide poisoning, saying about 30,000 residents lose their lives each year due to exposure.
At the 2025 Lagos Energy Summit held in Victoria Island, the Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Mr. Biodun Ogunleye, said the situation is worsening and needs urgent attention.
He linked the deaths to the high use of fuel-powered generators across the state, calling for serious efforts to reduce dependence on them.
According to Ogunleye, Lagos has around 4.5 million generators in use—common in homes, markets, and among small businesses. These generators, he said, consume about 16 billion litres of fuel every year, costing residents roughly N14 trillion at current pump prices.
He explained that this also leads to the release of 38 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, more than what countries like Togo, Rwanda, or Gabon emit.
“This is more than just an energy issue, it’s a public health emergency,” he warned.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who gave the keynote address, said Lagosians are already spending heavily to generate power on their own, but in ways that are scattered and inefficient. “We are generating electricity, yes, but the way we are doing it is neither centralised nor sustainable,” he said.
He added that access to reliable electricity is important for economic growth and improving lives. Under the state’s policy plan known as T.H.E.M.E.S+, he said Lagos is working to shift toward cleaner energy, with a goal of providing 24-hour power across the state.
To do this, the government is inviting proposals for new energy projects, including gas plants, large-scale solar, and private power systems. The aim is to add 6 gigawatts of stable electricity within three years.
Other steps include upgrading 22,000 streetlights to ease pressure on the power supply, enforcing a new electricity law, and launching plans to guide long-term energy investment.
“These policies are not just documents. They are a map guiding us to Lagos Vision 2030. A future of clean, reliable, and affordable electricity for all,” Ogunleye said.
He also shared data showing that 72% of households own at least one generator, 94% of small businesses depend on them, and 76% of markets can’t operate without them. He said these numbers show why alternative power options are urgently needed.
Closing the summit, Sanwo-Olu said Lagos is trying to become a top choice for energy investment in Africa and serve as an example for other states.
“We are building a Lagos where students, artisans, and entrepreneurs alike can thrive, powered by electricity that is not only clean and dependable but also affordable,” he said.
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