A Critical Analysis of the Place of Energy Transitioning in Achieving Increased Access to Sustainable Energy in Nigeria

Abstract

The place of energy in attaining socioeconomic growth and sustainable development remains undisputed. As hinted, its essentiality begins from job creation to economic development, and security concerns. Energy lies at the heart of country’s core interests to drive rapid industrialisation and improve citizen’s living standards among others. The extent of access to reliable electricity could either hinder or advance these interests. Inadequate access or unstable energy supply proves to be detrimental and counterproductive to any economy and nation. Amid global constraints towards achieving universal access to electricity; the paper interrogated global, regional as well as the government efforts in revitalising the failing energy system with positive outlook towards harnessing the renewable energy potentials of the country and integrating it into the Nigerian energy mix. The paper adopted the doctrinal research method of critically examining the primary and secondary sources. The paper found among others that there is a nexus between energy access and poverty confronting Nigeria. The paper argued that climate change and global warming significantly influenced modern energy choices, how it ought to be generated and deployed for electricity. Impliedly the overall goal, involve taking climate challenges into perspective whilst catering for the energy needs of people. The paper condemned protectionist ideas of advanced economies and suggested free market to drive the energy needs and access of nations. Doing so would require countries to embark on a transition scheme that is climate friendly and balances all three concerns of energy availability, accessibility and sustainability.