Nigeria's energy policy: Inferences, analysis and legal ethics toward RE development

• Published in: Energy policy Vol. 60; pp. 61 - 67
• Main Authors: Ajayi, Oluseyi O., Ajayi, Oluwatoyin O.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Kidlington Elsevier Ltd 01.09.2013; Elsevier; Elsevier Science Ltd
• Subjects: Africa; Alternative energy; Applied sciences; Business ethics; Economic data; economic incentives; Energy; Energy economics; Energy policy; Energy resources; Environment; environmental assessment; Ethics; Exact sciences and technology; Federal government; General, economic and professional studies; Indexes; Investments; land use; Land utilization; Law; Legislation, regulations for energy use; motivation; Natural energy; Nigeria; Production; Renewable energy sources; Renewable resources; Social responsibility; Statistical inference; Studies; Sustainable development; Taxation; Technology; United Nations; United Nations Development Program; vision; Nigeria; Africa; Nigeria; Environment; Energy policy; Incentive; Fiscal policy; Legislation; Land use; Renewable energy; Environment impact; Area planning; Critical study; Reform; Environmental protection
• ISSN: 0301-4215; 1873-6777
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enpol.2013.05.095

The study critically assessed the various policy issues of sustainable energy development in Nigeria. The basic focus was to discuss and analyze some of the laws of the federation as it relates to the development of Renewable Energy in Nigeria. It surveyed the nation's energy policy statement and the vision 20:2020 of the federal government. The Renewable Energy Master Plan developed by the joint efforts of the Energy Commission of Nigeria and United Nations Development Programs were also appraised. The level of development and the index of renewable energy production as stated by the policy statement, the vision 20:2020 and the Renewable Energy Master Plan were highlighted. The study found some policy challenges which include weak government motivation, lack of economic incentives, multiple taxations, non-existent favorable customs and excise duty act to promote renewable energy technologies. Further to this, some legal reforms which may aid the promotion of renewable energy development in Nigeria and also make robust the nation's energy policy were proposed. Some of the laws that require amendment to promote renewable energy include the land use act, environmental impact assessment decree and the investment laws of the federation of Nigeria. •The study exposed the energy policy issues of Nigeria.•The various policy documents and the energy statement of vision 20:2020 were surveyed.•Various challenges impinging growth or renewable energy were highlighted.•Some suggestions for policy reformation were proposed.