Sustainable energy development in Nigeria: Current status and policy options

Sustainable energy development focuses on maintaining the provision of energy in a manner that can enhance the short-, medium-, and long-term economic development of a country. The provision of sustainable energy requires the development and implementation of technologies that can improve the energy situation of a given country, such as renewable energy, energy-efficient technologies, and the proper use of conventional energy resources. To achieve this, effective energy policy options must be instigated that can adjust to changing circumstances. In Nigeria, the development of sustainable clean modern energy is an immense challenge, as is the proper use of the country׳s conventional energy resources. This is as due to the lack of effective support policies and poor participation by the government in clean energy development. The energy situation in Nigeria could be improved by the provision of adequate energy policy options designed to augment existing energy policies. This study critically reviews the current status of energy resources in Nigeria and the associated policies. Important policies, unavailable under current government strategies, are proposed and prioritised based on their likelihood of success in short, medium and long term. Among the most important policies based on priorities are policies to address crude oil theft, complete deregulation of the petroleum subsectors, utilisation of associated gases, creation of favourable business climate for private investors, increase attraction for Foreign Direct Investment in clean energy technology, Renewable Portfolio Standards development, introduction of Tendering Schemes, use of efficient fuel stoves, development of Demand-Side Bidding and Energy Efficiency Standard Law. We believe that these proposed policy options could improve the sustainable development of Nigeria׳s energy resources.