A NEW ERA OF ENERGY ACCESSIBILITY: HARNESSING THE STRENGTH OF NIGERIA’S
ENERGY MIX TO ERADICATE ENERGY POVERTY
BY
STEPHEN LAZI. A
A PUBLICATION TO NIGERIAN MIDSTREAM AND DOWNSTREAM PETROLEUM
REGULATORY AUTHORITY (NMDPRA) MAGAZINE “GAS: EMERGINING GLOBAL GOLDMINE”
VOL. 2 2023
www.nmdpra.gov.ng
In Nigeria, the quest for energy accessibility and affordability has long been a top priority. The
challenges of energy poverty have hindered progress, leaving a significant portion of the
population without reliable access to electricity. However, Nigeria is now embarking on a
transformative journey towards energy mix solutions that hold the promise of a brighter
future.
What is Energy Poverty?
Energy poverty is a pressing issue that affects millions of people worldwide, including Nigeria.
It is characterized by a lack of access to affordable, reliable, and modern energy services.
Energy poverty creates significant barriers to socio -economic deve lopment, limiting
opportunities for education, healthcare, and economic growth. In Nigeria, a large portion of
the population still relies on traditional and inefficient energy sources such as solid fuels,
resulting in adverse health effects, environmental degradation, and limited productive
activities. Addressing energy poverty is crucial to achieving sustainable development and
improving the quality of life for all Nigerians.
The Power of Energy Mix:
An energy mix refers to the utilization of multiple energy sources, such as fossil fuels,
renewables, and alternative fuels, to meet the energy demands of a country. By diversifying
its energy sources, Nigeria can reduce its reliance on a single energy type and enhance energy
security, affordability, and sustainability. This strategic approach allows for a balanced and
integrated energy system that combines the strengths of various sources to meet the diverse
needs of the population.
Nigeria is blessed with abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, hydro,
and biomass. Leveraging these resources presents a significant opportunity to expand
electricity access and drive socio -economic development. Solar power, in particu lar, has
immense potential given Nigeria’s favourable climate conditions. By scaling up solar energy
installations and promoting decentralized systems, Nigeria can bring electricity to rural and
remote areas that are currently underserved. Additionally, wi nd, hydro, and biomass can
contribute to the energy mix, providing clean and sustainable power sources.
Nigeria is also rich in natural gas reserves, which can play a crucial role in the energy mix.
Natural gas offers cleaner -burning properties compared to traditional fossil fuels and can
serve as a transition fuel towards a low -carbon future. Expanding natu ral gas infrastructure
and encouraging its use in power generation and industrial applications will not only improve
energy accessibility but also contribute to reduced carbon emissions. Nigeria’s vast natural
gas reserves position it favourably to tap int o this valuable resource for domestic
consumption and export. Achieving energy accessibility and realising the potential of an
energy mix requires collaboration between the government, private sector entities, and
international partners. By working togethe r. Nigeria can leverage international expertise,
funding opportunities, and technological advancements to propel its energy transition
journey.
