Olorundami, Tokunbo ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0213-4574 and Adekola, Olalekan ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9747-0583 (2025) Energy Transition in Nigeria: Investigating the Socio-Political and Economic Inhibitions to a Just Transition. In: CAS Annual Conference: Climate Dynamics and the Politics of a Post-Carbon Africa, 24th-25th April, 2025, Edinburgh, Scotland UK. https://www.sps.ed.ac.uk/centre-african-studies/conference. (Submitted)

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Abstract

Despite the potential implications the shift from fossil-based systems of energy production and consumption to renewable energy sources will have on Nigeria, the country remains under-considered within energy transition studies and scholarship. This paper illuminates the political ecology of just energy transition in Nigeria, allowing for comparison with other regions in Africa and beyond. As the world moves towards a cleaner energy future, understanding the barriers to a just energy transition in this region is crucial. This research is implemented by engaging with the stakeholders and communities around the oil and gas exploration and production industries, which serves as the main stay of the Nigerian economy/energy. The Oil and gas region of Nigeria is a critical area for the country’s oil production, but it also faces significant environmental, social, and economic challenges. In this paper, we argue that Nigeria could have adopted international energy transition policies in return for bilateral and multilateral donor grants, as fossil fuel usage in the country is still quite high. To understand these issues, this paper critically examines Nigeria’s energy transition policies against the economic and social realities of the country. Our analysis reveals that the actual energy transition policy in Nigeria is being shaped by complex interdependent political economic factors. This research sheds light on the critical socio-political and economic barriers to a just energy transition in Nigeria and other Nation in Africa. The study is implemented with a mixed methodology, combining the use of policy analysis, online material/news articles, and stakeholder engagement within the formal and informal sectors of the economy, to arrive at a well-rounded conclusion. Our findings reveal significant challenges, including inadequate policy support, economic dependence on oil and mining, lack of investment in renewable energy, and social resistance due to fears of job loss. This research provides detailed insights into these barriers and offers practical recommendations to facilitate a fair and sustainable energy transition, ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from the shift to renewable energy. Relying on the findings of this study, an integrated energy transition framework for low and middle-income countries like Nigeria was developed.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Status:	Submitted
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GF Human ecology. Anthropogeography J Political Science > JC Political theory
School/Department:	School of Humanities
Institutes:	Institute for Social Justice
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/13956

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