Connecting power to people: Integrating community renewable energy and multi-level governance towards low-carbon energy transition in Nigeria

Despite extensive investments and deregulation efforts, the issue of carbon lock-in persists in the Nigerian context and across much of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Recognising the value of citizen involvement in shaping energy transformation, this research advocates for the adoption of community renewable energy (CRE) in Nigeria. Drawing inspiration from paradigmatic CRE models in Germany and Denmark, the study explores the evolving landscape of low-carbon energy transitions in developing economies through the Nigerian case. Currently, Nigeria’s low-carbon transition remains constrained by inadequate policies and top-down energy strategies, motivating the need for a more inclusive and decentralised approach. To address these challenges, this paper proposes a policy framework grounded in multi-level governance (MLG) theory. The conceptual framework delineates the roles and responsibilities of federal, state, and local governments, highlighting the scope for introducing renewable energy desk officers at the local level. Crucially, this research contributes to the limited body of CRE literature within Nigeria and similar sub-Saharan African contexts. The output provides concrete recommendations for renewable energy policy development in SSA nations with diverse political landscapes, in addition to supporting the future research agenda on CRE. Accordingly, the proposition of community renewable multi-level governance (CRE-MLG) reflects the rationale that citizen-centric energy practices can strengthen sustainability pathways in challenging contexts such as Nigeria. In contributing towards the burgeoning literature on energy transitions, this study advocates for an integrated governance approach and the bottom-up adoption of CRE practices to help drive sustainable development. 1 1 CRE, Community renewable energy; CRE-MLG, Community renewable energy multi-level governance; DRE, Decentralised renewable energy; EU, European Union; FiT, Feed-in Tariff; FG, Federal Government; GHG, greenhouse gas; FG, Federal Government; LG, Local Government; MLG; Multi-level governance; OECD, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development; RE, Renewable energy; REDOs, Renewable energy desk officers; RESs, Renewable energy sources; SG, State Government; SSA, sub-Saharan Africa. • Examines the link between community renewable energy and multi-level governance in Nigeria • Recommends integration of mid-level and local government in national energy policy • Promotes community renewable energy adoption and citizen involvement in rural Nigeria • Advances scholarly understanding of low carbon transitions in sub-Saharan countries. • Provides an innovative policy solution for implementing energy sector reforms