What are the challenges facing Nigeria's energy transition?

Nigeria's energy transition is fraught with many challenges. Image: Unsplash. Approximately 71% of Nigeria's population does not have access to energy. The Nigerian government plans to achieve universal energy access by 2030. The energy sector faces major financial and technical challenges.

Does Nigeria have a power grid?

Some 45% of Nigeria’s population is actively connected to the energy grid and much of that is concentrated in urban areas. Power sector reforms have identified the need for expansion to rural areas, including through decentralized renewable energy and an increase in energy efficiency, especially in rural areas.

Can solar energy save Nigerian households & companies $4.4 billion a year?

This can also save Nigerian households and companies $4.4 billion annually. However, certain barriers persist in the broader adoption of solar generation. We cannot tell people to adopt renewable energy without educating on the social, economic, and environmental benefits.

Does Nigeria need an energy transition plan?

While Nigeria recently launched the Energy Transition Plan that supports achieving universal access to energy by 2030 and a carbon-neutral energy system by 2060, there is a need for an action plan that states targets and timeline. This will enable the plan to be properly monitored and its goals achieved.

How many people do not have access to energy in Nigeria?

According to the International Energy Agency, over 140 million people do not have access to energy in Nigeria, about 71% of the country's population. When we talk about energy access, we refer to people's ability to access modern energy services, including electricity, clean cooking facilities, and modern fuels.

Is lithium a new frontier for mining in Nigeria?

The growing demand for lithium has created a new frontier for mining in mineral-rich Nigeria. But it has come with a steep cost, exploiting its poorest and most vulnerable: its children.