Overcoming Policy and Regulatory Barriers: Accelerating Nigeria's Transition to Renewable Energy

Abstract

This study explores the policy and regulatory challenges hindering Nigeria’ s transition to renewable energy, despite the country’ s efforts to promote sustainable energy through frameworks like the Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP) and the National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP). Using a qualitative research approach, the study analyzes secondary data, including government reports, policy documents, and scholarly articles, to identify key barriers in policy implementation. These challenges include inadequate funding, bureaucratic inefficiencies, inconsistent policy enforcement, and weak institutional capacity. The study highlights the insufficient coordination between regulatory agencies and the lack of investment incentives as major factors impeding progress. A case study of Nigeria’ s energy transition efforts shows that although policies exist, their implementation is slow and fragmented. The findings emphasize the need for a centralized regulatory authority, stronger financial incentives, improved governance mechanisms, and investment in infrastructure to accelerate the adoption of renewable energy. Recommendations are provided to enhance policy frameworks and promote a more coordinated, sustainable approach to energy development in Nigeria. IIARD International Journal of Geography & Environmental Management Vol. 11 No. 2 2025 E-ISSN 2504-8821 P-ISSN 2695-1878 www.iiardjournals.org Online Version IIARD – International Institute of Academic Research and Development Page 89

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