Spatial Inequalities in Energy Access: GIS-Based Mapping of Clean Energy Distribution in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Kaaka; Fegalo J. D.; Nwankwoala Chidi

doi:10.56201/ijgem.vol.12.no1.2026.pg46.61

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Spatial Inequalities in Energy Access: GIS-Based Mapping of Clean Energy Distribution in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

Kaaka, Fegalo J. D., Nwankwoala Chidi

Abstract

The Niger Delta is vital to Nigeria’s energy production, but the area continues to face persistent difficulties in providing access to adequate and reliable energy. The study essentially examines the spatial distribution of clean energy resources as well as the access patterns in the Niger Delta. This is with a view to identifying spatial disparities, resource suitability zones, as well as governance-related constraints impacting energy access outcomes. By way of an integrated GIS-based analytical framework, geospatial datasets on solar, wind, hydropower, landuse, settlement and infrastructure are combined with secondary socio-economic data and policy data. Using ‘spatial overlay’, ‘suitability modelling’, and ‘accessibility analyses’, clean energy potentials were mapped against distribution of population as well as institutional planning frameworks. The findings show that there are significant inequalities within regions as riverside and fringe communities are endowed with high renewable resources. However, their energy access remains low and consistent due to infrastructural deficits, land-use constraints and weak coordination mechanisms across levels of governance. On the other hand, urban and industrial corridors have more access though have less renewable endowments. The study shows that energy access issues in the Niger Delta do not arise from scarcity of resources, but from the practices of spatial planning, governance arrangements, and policy prioritization. The integration of GIS-informed energy planning into regional development strategies is recommended, together with strengthening communities’ renewable deployment; and enhancing coherence between energy policy, land use planning and climate governance. Through an explicit nexus of resource availability, spatial inequality and governance. This study contributes new evidence to energy economics and policy debates regarding fair energy transitions in resource rich but energy poor regions.

Keywords

Spatial Inequality; Energy Access; GIS-Based Analysis; Clean Energy Distribution; Niger Delta

References

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Spatial Inequalities in Energy Access: GIS-Based Mapping of Clean Energy Distribution in the Niger Delta, Nigeria

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