Renewable Energy, An Enabler For Sustainable Development In Nigeria

The power crisis in Nigeria will deepen if government fails to adopt new technologies and energy sources. A large number of Nigerian population dont have access to electricity, renewable energy will bring socioeconomic development. Health, education, productivity, income growth are all components of socioeconomic development.

Essential health care, clean piped water , use of electrical appliances, lighting, internet, transportation, etc. All require energy.

Manufacturing, agriculture and other productive activities require Energy.

Regular power outage in Nigeria is said to cause constant loss of millions of naira due to low productivity in business enterprises.

32, Akpan Matthew, a Sharwarma roadside seller in Ipaja area of Lagos State lamented bitterly about the poor state of electricity in the country and how it has had adverse effect on his business.

Just like Akpan, 25 year old hairstylist, Tinuke who is a part time linguistics student at University of Lagos says buying fuel daily to make the hair of her customers leaves her with little or no profit to cater for her sibling and take care of her educational needs.

Apart from income loss by business Owners due to power outage, there is constant exposure to carbon emissions caused by generators which result in health hazards.

To achieve sustainable development in Nigeria, there is need for the increase in supply of reliable, sustainable and affordable energy services, and the government has a great role to play in enforcing the use of solar energy and other forms of renewable energy.