Challenges of Renewable Energy in Nigeria

Mohammed Shitu; Ibrahim Abdullah Inuwa; Fatima Sahabo Magaji

doi:10.56201/ijgem.vol.11.no7.2025.pg264.272

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Challenges of Renewable Energy in Nigeria

Mohammed Shitu, Ibrahim Abdullah Inuwa, Fatima Sahabo Magaji

Abstract

Nigeria, endowed with abundant renewable energy resources such as solar, wind, hydro, and biomass, faces persistent challenges in harnessing these resources to meet its growing energy demand. Despite government efforts and international support, the country continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels, resulting in energy insecurity, environmental degradation, and limited access to electricity—especially in rural areas. This study examines the multifaceted challenges hindering renewable energy development in Nigeria, including inadequate policy frameworks, financing difficulties, technical capacity gaps, infrastructural limitations, and public awareness deficits. Using secondary data from reports by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Rural Electrification Agency (REA), and scholarly literature, the paper evaluates the socio-economic implications of Nigeria’s current energy trajectory and the transformative potential of renewable energy.The research further presents strategic solutions such as policy reform, investment incentives, capacity building, standardization, and public education initiatives. Key recommendations include harmonizing energy policies, establishing national training centers, offering tax subsidies to investors, and integrating clean energy education into academic curricula. The paper also highlights the future prospects of renewable energy in Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of off-grid solutions, international climate finance, and local stakeholder engagement. If effectively implemented, these strategies could enable Nigeria to achieve up to 40% renewable energy penetration by 2040. The study concludes that a sustainable, inclusive, and well-regulated energy system is critical to national development, poverty reduction, and environmental protection.

Keywords

Renewable energyNigeriaenergy policysolar powerrural electrification

References

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Challenges of Renewable Energy in Nigeria

Abstract

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