Development of Nigeria’s Electric Power Sector: Towards the Attainment of Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

Successive government in Nigeria have made series of attempts aimed at addressing issues such as energy access, poverty, unemployment, and inequality. These efforts have been undermined by structural impediments which include inadequate institutional capacity, lack of policy coherence and consistency, inadequate funding in energy infrastructure, inadequate technical capabilities, as well as social and cultural barriers. In Nigeria, the issue of adequate power supply has long been a significant challenge impeding economic growth, social development, and overall quality of life. The country's power sector faces various issues such as insufficient generation capacity, poor infrastructure, high transmission losses, and inadequate distribution networks. This paper is aimed at examining and analysing the current state of Nigeria's energy sector and its implications for the attainment of SDGs. It explores statistical information to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the Nigeria’s energy environment and informed strategic decisions in the formulation and implementation of energy policies towards achieving the SDGs. This is because the attainment of the SDGs in Nigeria is intricately linked to the transformation of its electric power sector. By prioritizing efforts to enhance energy access, drive economic growth, and embrace environmentally sustainable practices, Nigeria can make substantial progress towards realizing these global objectives.