Eko DisCo Establishes Excel Electricity Distribution Company to Strengthen Lagos Power Reforms
In a strategic move to align with Nigeria’s evolving electricity market and Lagos State’s regulatory framework, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has registered a new wholly owned subsidiary — Excel Electricity Distribution Company Limited — to handle its power distribution business across Lagos State.
The announcement marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s journey toward a decentralised and state-led electricity governance model, as outlined under the Electricity Act 2023 and the Lagos State Electricity Policy.
According to a statement issued by Mr. Babatunde Lasaki, General Manager, Corporate Affairs, EKEDC, the creation of the new entity was mandated by the Lagos State Electricity Regulatory Commission (LASERC) to ensure regulatory clarity and operational efficiency.
“LASERC required that Eko DisCo, which currently operates in both Lagos and Ogun States, establish a separate entity exclusively for its Lagos operations,” the statement said.
As a result, Excel Electricity Distribution Limited has been incorporated to manage EKEDC’s operations within Lagos, under the joint regulatory oversight of LASERC and the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
A Structural Shift in Nigeria’s Power Market
This regulatory shift underscores a historic restructuring of Nigeria’s power sector, where states can now directly license and regulate electricity companies operating within their territories. It’s a major evolution from the centralised model that followed the 2013 privatisation of the power sector.
With Lagos State being the largest electricity consumer in Nigeria — accounting for nearly 25% of national demand — the move is expected to accelerate power sector reforms, attract state-level investments, and enhance consumer protection.
For EKEDC, this transition signals a deeper commitment to reform, transparency, and operational excellence. The company reaffirmed that Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc has not been sold, dissolved, or transferred.
“Eko DisCo remains a fully recognised entity under Nigerian law,” the statement clarified, “owned by West Power and Gas Limited (WPG), which holds 60% shareholding, while the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) retains the remaining 40% on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
What the Transition Means for Customers
Under the new structure, Excel Electricity Distribution Limited will handle all distribution activities previously managed by EKEDC in Lagos. Customers will continue to enjoy uninterrupted service as billing systems, payment platforms, and customer service channels remain unchanged during the transition period.
“The only noticeable change,” EKEDC said, “will be a gradual transition in branding from Eko DisCo to Excel DisCo.”
Importantly, the company assured that there will be no change in personnel or service locations, meaning existing staff will continue to operate under the new structure.
Customers and business partners have been advised to maintain their existing contact points for inquiries, billing, and technical support while the regulatory and branding realignment is finalised.
Eko DisCo Becomes a Holding Company
In compliance with the new operational framework, Eko Electricity Distribution Company Plc has now transitioned into a holding company, overseeing Excel DisCo as its 100% subsidiary.
This transition allows EKEDC to focus on governance, investment oversight, and innovation, while Excel DisCo manages day-to-day electricity distribution within Lagos.
The restructuring also reflects growing regulatory sophistication in the Nigerian electricity market, enabling companies to separate commercial operations from investment and policy obligations.
“This development is purely a regulatory and structural transition, not a takeover or divestment,” EKEDC emphasised.
“It is designed to ensure full compliance with the Lagos State Electricity Law and enhance operational efficiency.”
Why This Matters for Nigeria’s Energy Future
Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2023 — signed into law by President Bola Tinubu — fundamentally changed the dynamics of the country’s energy governance. It empowers states to regulate power generation, transmission, and distribution within their borders, a long-awaited reform aimed at addressing chronic power shortages.
For Lagos State, home to over 20 million residents and the country’s industrial nerve centre, the law offers an opportunity to create a self-sufficient electricity ecosystem, attract independent power producers, and reduce reliance on the national grid.
By establishing Excel DisCo, EKEDC has positioned itself as a pioneer in state-led electricity regulation, paving the way for other DisCos to follow suit as Nigeria transitions toward multi-tiered electricity governance.
Lagos’ Energy Ambition: From Consumption to Control
Lagos has been at the forefront of power reform in Nigeria. Through LASERC, the state government has launched initiatives to improve grid reliability, support embedded generation, and promote renewable energy adoption.
With the emergence of Excel DisCo, Lagos now has a fully licensed electricity distributor under its direct oversight — a move expected to foster accountability, innovation, and service excellence.
Energy analysts say this is a critical step toward energy independence for Lagos, allowing the state to build partnerships with private investors and ensure cost-reflective yet consumer-sensitive tariffs.
“This is the future of power sector governance in Nigeria,” said an industry analyst. “Lagos has shown that with the right regulatory environment, states can play a more active role in ensuring reliable power delivery.”
Corporate Governance and Consumer Trust
EKEDC’s management reiterated its commitment to transparency, good governance, and consumer satisfaction throughout the transition. The company pledged to maintain open communication with stakeholders, customers, and regulators to ensure a seamless handover.
“We remain committed to delivering reliable, efficient, and sustainable electricity supply to our customers through our newly licensed subsidiary,” the statement read.
The move also strengthens EKEDC’s corporate governance credentials, aligning its operations with both state and federal laws — a dual compliance model that enhances investor confidence and consumer trust.
A New Era for Nigeria’s Electricity Distribution Sector
The restructuring of Eko DisCo into a holding entity mirrors global trends in electricity market liberalisation, where distribution utilities evolve into energy platforms — combining technology, infrastructure, and customer-centric innovation.
With Excel DisCo taking the operational lead, EKEDC can now focus on strategic investments in smart metering, grid automation, and renewable integration, while ensuring regulatory harmony between LASERC and NERC.
Industry watchers believe this development will catalyse increased private investment, improve efficiency, and strengthen Nigeria’s electricity market competitiveness.
The Bigger Picture: Powering Lagos’ Economic Growth
Lagos contributes over 30% of Nigeria’s GDP and hosts most of the country’s industrial hubs, financial institutions, and service providers. Reliable electricity supply is therefore central to its economic competitiveness.
The creation of Excel DisCo aligns with Lagos’ broader agenda to become Africa’s model megacity, integrating sustainable energy solutions, industrial resilience, and green innovation.
By establishing a dedicated Lagos power company, Eko DisCo is helping the state to move from reactive power management to proactive energy planning, ensuring that electricity access keeps pace with population and economic growth.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Nigeria’s Power Reforms
Eko DisCo’s establishment of Excel Electricity Distribution Company is more than a corporate restructuring; it’s a symbol of Nigeria’s evolving electricity landscape — one that embraces federalism, regulatory innovation, and state participation.
As the energy transition accelerates globally, Nigeria’s ability to localise electricity governance while maintaining national coherence will be key to achieving energy security and industrialisation.For consumers in Lagos, the promise is clear: a future of reliable, smarter, and more responsive electricity distribution, driven by a company rooted in both innovation and accountability.
