Nigeria

The generation of electricity in Nigeria is predominately dependent on fossil fuels like oil and gas. However, renewable sources of power have become increasingly important in recent years. Nigeria is considered to have a centralised energy system because it is the only source of electricity supply across the entire nation. The difficulties associated with this practice make it necessary for Nigeria to explore alternative sources of energy, considering off-grid electricity as an easy option. This chapter will investigate the imperatives for developing renewable energy potential in Nigeria, in addition to the opportunities and impediments which affect the development of such potential and how the law has been employed to address this state of affairs. The major policies and targets that support the development of off-grid renewable energy are analysed. The legal and regulatory environments in which off-grid renewable energy is deployed in the electricity sector are also analysed. It concludes that it would be imperative that there should be regulatory support to place off-grid renewable energy at a comparative advantage.