Original scientific paper
Published in: Holistic Approach Environ. 7(2017) 2, pp. 74 – 93
Paper reference number: HAE-136
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SORTING OUT RENEWABLE ENERGY POWERED RURAL ELECTRIFICATION IN NIGERIA

Amokwu Ifeanyichukwu Theophilus^*

^* National Institute of Development Administration, Thailand

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ABSTRACT

Nigeria exhibits a very troubling energy dichotomy of having an abundance of energy sources and being one of the least served with electricity. Despite the abundance of renewable energy sources well suited for rural electricity generation, the overall rate of rural electrification stands at just 26 %. This paper explores across a spectrum of 17 senior federal government executives in agencies tasked with managing the nation’s electricity sector, specific issues affecting the uptake of renewable energy technologies in rural electrification in Nigeria. By qualitative methodology, through document analysis and semi-structured interview, data was collected and analyzed. Findings show that though renewable energy is recognized as very important for achieving rural electrification in a fossil fuel rich nation like Nigeria, one major obstacle against renewable energy powered rural electrification is the absence of a champion within the bureaucracy; one who could rally the available resources and current policies to adequate action.

Keywords: legitimacy, policy, renewable energy, rural electrification
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