Policy Challenges and Opportunities for Renewable Energy Development in Nigeria

This article examines the challenges and opportunities associated with effective policy decision-making for advancing Nigeria’s renewable energy system through a systematic scoping review. Secondary data were collected from peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and other online sources, encompassing quantitative, qualitative, and review studies spanning the period from 2000 to 2025. The search process utilized academic databases and search engines, including Google Scholar and RefSeek, among others. Retrieved data were subjected to content and thematic analysis. The findings indicate that Nigeria possesses abundant renewable energy resources, including solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, with significant opportunities for legislative reforms, institutional strengthening, technological innovation, and infrastructure development. Several policy frameworks, such as the Renewable Energy Master Plan (REMP), the National Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Policy (NREEEP), and the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) of 2005, have been introduced to promote renewable energy utilization. However, these policies have largely failed to achieve their intended impact due to persistent challenges, including the absence of a comprehensive and coherent energy policy, regulatory burdens, legal inconsistencies, and institutional inefficiencies. To address these issues, the article recommends that the Nigerian government and policymakers establish a clear and robust regulatory framework that supports the sustainable development and utilization of renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy. Strengthening policy implementation mechanisms and ensuring institutional coordination are also critical to overcoming existing barriers and fostering a resilient renewable energy sector in Nigeria.