Renewable Energy for Sustainable Development in Nigeria: A Discourse

This study examined renewable energy development in Nigeria, with emphasis on its resource potential, institutional and policy environment, challenges, and prospects for sustainable energy transition. It explored how abundant renewable energy resources coexist with persistent structural and governance constraints that limit effective utilisation and integration into the national energy mix. The study adopted a qualitative documentary approach, relying on secondary sources of data drawn from peer-reviewed journals, policy documents, and empirical studies on Nigeria’s energy sector. Findings reveal that although Nigeria possesses significant solar, wind, biomass, and hydro resources, their development is hindered by inconsistent policy implementation, inadequate financing mechanisms, weak institutional coordination, and limited technological capacity. The study further indicates that recent energy transition initiatives and policy reforms present emerging opportunities for renewable energy expansion, particularly through decentralised energy systems and private-sector participation. It concludes that renewable energy development in Nigeria is at a critical transition stage, where progress depends largely on the alignment of policy stability, investment mobilisation, and institutional strengthening. The study recommends improved policy coherence, expanded renewable energy financing structures, enhanced local technological capacity, and increased deployment of off-grid solutions to accelerate sustainable energy access.