Alleviating Energy Poverty and Accelerating Development in Nigeria: Where do we Begin?

Abstract

Energy poverty in Nigeria calls for serious concerns as the citizens struggle to survive for weeks, sometimes even months or years without access to electricity supply. Against this background, this paper using Common Ground theory seeks to interrogate the dearth of household energy in Nigeria, and its attendant consequences on household income, health, economy and the environment, within the prism of sustainable development goals. The data collected through secondary sources revealed that Nigeria although rich in natural resources yet faces endemic poverty, including energy poverty. It was also found that there are prospects for renewable energy in Nigeria though there is still a long walk towards a renewable energy transition. As a way forward, it is recommended among other things that, renewable energy systems should be tailored toward solving practical needs, instead of just serving as isolated government projects, which usually are an avenue for corruption and embezzlement of public funds. This can be achieved through community involvement and engagements throughout the process of energy politics. Manpower development, as it concerns renewable energy, needs to be the concern of the government and other relevant agencies as one of the long-term plans for solving the shortage of expertise in renewable energy.