THE NIGERIAN ENERGY TRANSITION CONUNDRUM

ABSTRACT

The importance of energy in our world today cannot in any way be gainsaid. While it must be acknowledged that energy plays important roles in the world today, we must also acknowledge the fact that more proper forms of energy should be employed for two reasons. The first is to safeguard the environment and the second is to ensure security of supply. It is for these two reasons that we therefore speak of the inevitability of energy transitions around the world and Nigeria. However, ‘energy transition' as simple as it sounds is not so simple to achieve. What is more, it is way more difficult for Nigeria due to problems ranging from political to sociological. This study seeks to answer the question as to how Nigeria can accomplish its energy transition and win in the struggle. This work relies on published works mostly by foreign authors due to the relative paucity of Nigerian works. The study also relies on information gotten from some governmental and international websites to give statistical data as regards energy transitions. This study thus seeks to portray the plans Nigeria has to achieve its energy transition. In the course of the study, it was discovered that natural gas will play and actually plays a crucial role in the struggle. However, the author is of the opinion that electricity will be of utmost importance. The Nigerian Energy Transition Plan and the Electricity Act of 2023 both have some things to offer Nigeria in the struggle. Additionally, the energy transition struggles of other countries are showcased to allow Nigeria grab some lessons. Of importance too are the efforts and opinions of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries on the issue of climate change and energy transitions. At the end of this work, the reader will get to know that whereas past transitions have been accidental or circumstantial, the energy transition of today and the future are planned. The work concludes with recommendations on how Nigeria can successfully transition to cleaner and alternative sources of energy.