Author(s): BETHEL UZOMA IHUGBA | Volume 21 (1)Feb., 2024

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Abstract

This study examines the prospects and challenges of the Constitution and the Electricity Act 2023 (EA 2023) in the promotion of sustainable renewable energy. Nigeria is faced with electricity deficit which negatively affects its economic development, particularly in the sluggish development of its manufacturing industry. It is expected that a boost in the energy sector would reverse the trend. One of the ways suggested is the promotion of renewable and alternative energy sources via reform of the legal frameworks. This paper deploys critical analysis of doctrinal data (the Constitution, particularly the introduction of the 5th Constitution Alteration and EA 2023), to examine the extent to which they could improve the sector, the normative challenges and how these may be resolved. It finds huge potentials for renewable energy which could create a boost for Nigeria’s electricity sector. These range from prioritisation, privatisation, involvement of individuals and all tiers of government, to championing developments in the sector. The challenges include potential exposure of Nigeria to security threats, subordination of indigenous inventions and general reactionary tone of the EA 2023. However, the legal regime creates framework for integrating developments in the renewable energy sector.

KEYWORDS: Electricity, Fifth Alteration, Nigeria, Renewable Energy, Sustainability