Why Should Oil Rich Nigeria Make A Law for the Promotion of Renewable Energy in the Power Sector?

Abstract

AbstractNigeria is an oil rich country, endowed with both conventional and renewable energy sources. Electricity generation in Nigeria is dominated by oil and gas. The use of renewable energy in the power sector has not been promoted, despite Nigeria's abundant renewable energy potential. Using the law to integrate renewable energy into the Nigerian power sector will promote energy security and access, a clean environment and economic development. This article argues that the benefits of renewable energy outweigh its negative environmental and social impacts, also when compared to oil and gas. It posits that creating a law for the promotion of renewable energy in the power sector will enhance the benefits of renewable energy. Therefore, there should be affirmative law to support renewable energy and provide for a framework for ensuring that other laws do not constitute barriers to the deployment of renewable energy in the power sector.