ADVANCING SUSTAINABILITY THROUGH CARBON CAPTURE, UTILIZATION AND STORAGE (CCUS) TECHNOLOGIES: THE HYDROGEL CASE STUDY

EDUARDO G. PEREIRA, ALBERTO FOSSA, CARLOS EDUARDO PELLEGRINO CERRI, OPEYEMI OMOTUYI, HANNAH HYLTON-EDWARDS, EDMILSON MOUTINHO DOS SANTOS, ALEXANDRE GALLO, CYLON LIAW, & BRUNA TOGUEDANI

ABSTRACT

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) consists of several technologies that are capable of playing significant and diverse roles in the achievement of global energy and climate goals under the context of energy transition. It forms a relevant technological approach for capturing carbon and delivering a net zero energy system. Currently, CCUS projects are mainly taking place in developed countries, with some of them having specific promotion policies such as 45Q under IRA in the US. Several of the current CCUS activities take the form of enhanced oil recovery (EOR). CCS have a value chain comprising the CO2 capture, compression and liquefaction, transportation (by pipeline or ships), and storage (e.g., underground in saline aquifer or depleted reservoirs). CCU shares some of the CCS value chain elements, except storage, as it consists of techniques and initiatives that convert captured emitted carbons into useful products. Hence, adopting a qualitative research methodology, this study explores the concept and relevancy of CCUS in achieving net zero emissions using hydrogel as a case study. This study aims for the implementation of a new CCUS value chain that involves products based on carbon sequestration in land-based carbon dioxide removal (CDR), leading to a high potential for mitigating carbon emissions. Consequently, CCUS is vital to attenuate the problems of climate change, as it plays a key role in decarbonizing and facing the challenge of anthropogenic CO2 emissions, in addition to providing a long-term alternative compatible with sustainable development. Based on its properties and characteristics, especially as a polymeric electrolyte with a high capacity for conducting physical separation, this study proposes hydrogel as a viable technique for the maximum capture of atmospheric carbon. Such captured carbon is then utilized for various applications or stored appropriately. This study concludes with a highlight of specific lessons learned in this regard, and the major challenges observed with this CCUS technique.

Keywords: CCUS, CCU, Climate Change, Net Zero, CO2 Reduction, Sustainable Development, Hydrogel.

NATION BUILDING AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCINGS – A LEGAL PERSPECTIVE

GABRIEL A. ONAGORUWA

ABSTRACT

This article explores the challenges and opportunities for nation building in Nigeria in the context of the immediate aftermath of the 2023 elections, the twilight of the inauguration of the new administration, led by Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the urgent need to address the critical issues of infrastructure deficit, palpable poverty, and inadequate access to basic services. The article discusses the importance of international financing as a critical source of funding for sustainable development and highlights the importance of aligning national financing objectives with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It emphasizes the need for clear development plans, coordination of risk mitigation mechanisms, cooperation of multilateral financial institutions and national and subnational committees and agencies, transparent legal and regulatory framework, as well as a robust judicial process, to attract international lenders and ensure effective deployment of financing towards the achievement of national development priorities.

Keywords: International Financing, Nation Building, Sustainable Development Goals, Multilateral Financial Institutions, Development Finance Institutions, Private International Financing, Pubic International Financing, Nigeria.

ADDRESSING NIGERIAN ECONOMIC CHALLENGES THROUGH THE INSTRUMENTALITY OF THE LAW

JOASH OJO AMUPITAN, SAN

INTRODUCTION

“Under the new dispensation, lawyers should be more involved in political and social engineering. Being the light bearer by virtue of their special training, they should bear the light at every dark enclave to show hidden attempts at the lawyer in misgovernance, misrule, and maladministration. The new dispensation must be dogged and determined fighter for freedom and equity and to ensure that the ordinary citizen is protected from threatened abuse of his fundamental rights through reckless and arrogant exercise of state powers the lawyers should take their pride of place in society. They should jettison the garb of eggheads living like strangers in a splendid isolation in his own society oblivious of important development in the economic and social affairs of his country. The lawyers` role in the new policy should be that of an active participant in the platonic search for common good”. Aare Afe Babalola, SAN

A CRITICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR OIL AND GAS DECOMMISSIONING IN NIGERIA

OMOTUYI, OPEYEMI YETUNDE

ABSTRACT

Oil and gas production have been ongoing in Nigeria since the first major discovery of oil in commercial quantity in 1956. With over sixty years of exploitation, there is a tendency that several oil fields may be approaching the end of their viable lifespan. Moreover, with the increasing agitation against global warming and climate change, and the attendant shift towards energy transition and sustainable development, a wave of decommissioning in the oil and gas sector is to be expected globally. Since Nigeria is identifying with the energy transition agenda, the discourse on decommissioning is germane to the Nigerian oil and gas industry, especially because a move to cleaner energy sources will necessitate the decommissioning of several oil fields in the country. To ensure an effective decommissioning regime however, there must be established clear and enforceable rules and regulations for decommissioning in the oil and gas industry. Such rules and regulations must also address major issues and challenges attributable to decommissioning oil and gas projects generally. Against this backdrop, this study explores the various legal regimes applicable to the decommissioning of oil and gas projects in Nigeria, with the aim of identifying the adequacy or otherwise of such laws. It was found that the existing legal regime, where considered together, provides adequately for decommissioning issues and challenges in the Nigerian oil and gas sector. Notwithstanding, the study found few challenges that may still hinder effective decommissioning processes in Nigeria. Therefore, the study concluded by proffering suitable recommendations that can promote the objectives of decommissioning in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

Keywords: Oil and gas decommissioning, Sustainable Development, Global warming, Climate change, Energy transition, Nigeria.

NEW FRONTIERS FOR DECOMMISSIONING IN BRAZIL

BARBARA EIROA LEITE & BRUNO BELCHIOR

ABSTRACT

This article explores the challenges and opportunities for decommissioning in Brazil, presenting the relevant regulatory framework. It also highlights the importance of the sustainable development as one of the guiding principles for the Brazilian government, especially to the energy sector. In this sense, the article explores different methods of infrastructure decommissioning, including the most advanced ones, such as the reuse to create wind offshore power projects or artificial reefs. Overall, the article discusses the expectations and forecasts for decommissioning activities in Brazil, and concludes that they have the potential to become a key instrument for the country to preserve the environment.

Keywords: Decommissioning, Regulatory framework, Sustainable development, Energy sector, Environmental preservation.

SUSTAINABLE DECOMMISSIONING IN GHANA: HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENTS, CURRENT PRACTICE AND CHALLENGES

THOMAS KOJO STEPHENS

ABSTRACT

When Ghana enacted its first piece of legislation dealing specifically with petroleum operations in the upstream industry in 1984 - the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act, 1984 (PNDCL 84) - there was only one provision in the Act which dealt directly with decommissioning. This paper takes an introspective look at developments over time in putting in place an effective and sustainable decommissioning framework for Ghana’s upstream petroleum industry. It analyses the gaps therein and traces attempts over time such as a review by the Commonwealth Secretariat of existing statute, and proposals for a decommissioning scheme, to close them. It analyses measures by the government and encapsulated in statute to fill those gaps and ensure an efficient and sustainable framework. It analyses these developments through to the present when the Saltpond Field is to be decommissioned - Ghana’s first decommissioning exercise. Analysing the practical challenges in decommissioning the Field, impacts and risks, and that of Ghana’s upstream industry in general, the paper concludes that Ghana has through myriad measures strived to ensure that its framework is sustainable and situations such as the current one for instance where it is the government - and not the contractor - paying for decommissioning is averted.

Keywords: Decommissioning, Ghana, Saltpond Field, Sustainability, Decommissioning Fund, Security Arrangements.

DECOMMISSIONING DISPUTES – THE SUSTAINABILITY GAP

TIMI BALOGUN, MICHAEL DAVAR & RUGGERO CHICCO

ABSTRACT

The regulatory framework for oil and gas decommissioning forms the background against which decommissioning disputes take place. The growing role of sustainability considerations in the decommissioning process could lead to an increase in existing decommissioning disputes and to the development of new decommissioning sustainability disputes.

Keywords: Decommissioning; Sustainability; Disputes; International law; Offshore installations; Oil and gas industry

DECOMMISSIONING OFFSHORE OIL AND GAS PLATFORMS: IS THE RIGS-TO-REEFS PROGRAM A MORE SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE?

EDUARDO G. PEREIRA, OPEYEMI OMOTUYI, AARON KOENCK, PEDI OBANI, MEAGAN GOPAULSINGH & SHANIAH MOHAMMED

ABSTRACT

Change, attributable to long-term shifts in global temperatures and weather patterns due to persistent greenhouse gases emissions in the atmosphere. Fossil fuels production had been identified severally as a major culprit in the continous release of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Hence, there have been agitations from various stakeholder groups including international organizations, national governments, civil societies, etc., seeking ways to address these challenges. These agitations have led to the evolution of the global energy transition agenda, whereby the world is making a shift from fossil fuels production and consumption to cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. Such energy transition implies that fossil fuels facilities, including oil and gas facilities, are fast approaching the end of their productive life. The question therefore is, what becomes of these facilities at the end of their productive life? This invariably calls for an increased attention to oil and gas decommissioning. This is because proper and sustainable decommissioning of oil and gas facilities is significant for environmental protection and sustainable development. Hence, this paper evaluates the various options available for oil and gas decommissioning so as to identify their adverse environmental impacts, and other challenges posed by their implementation. The paper further evaluates the emerging rigs-to-reefs program, and proposes this program as a more sustainable decommissioning option for oil and gas platforms.

Keywords: Oil and gas decommissioning, offshore platforms, climate change, rigs-to-reefs, sustainable development.

DECOMMISSIONING, SAFETY AND AFRICA’S BLUE ENERGY ECONOMY: ANALYSIS OF THE AFRICAN INTEGRATED MARITIME STRATEGY (AIMS) 2050

WIFA, AZUBUIKE OZAH & PATRICK ACHOR

ABSTRACT

The African maritime region is home to a variety of natural resources, including oil and gas and has significant potential for the maximisation of emerging offshore energy resources like wind, tidal and hydrogen. While thse discussions on the economic exploitation of these resources and the environmental dimensions of decommissioning have been the focus of numerous studies,1 the analysis of the legal and regulatory regime for safe decommissioning these assets and installations are quite limited. Considering that safety is an important consideration in the decommissioning of offshore oil and gas installations, this article takes a particularly unique position in critically examining the safety implications of offshore decommissioning of oil and gas infrastructures and the regulatory regime that is required to mitigate these safety risks. From an African context, it argues that the regulatory architecture for ensuring the safe removal of these offshore assets have not been give the required attention. More specifically, the decommissioning regime under the various African Conventions and particularly the African Integrated Maritime Strategy (AIMS) 2050, does not provide for a safety risk governance model as well as the various measures of regulatory scrutiny that ensures compliance in such a high and major risk operation. Drawing lessons from the European Safety Directive 2013 that was adopted following the 2010 Macondo disaster,2 this article argues for the adoption of a safety case-like regulatory strategy that requires members states to promote the adoption of a Mazard report.

Keywords: Offshore, Decommissioning, Safety, Risk, Governance, Safety case, Oil and gas.

OVERCOMING FAILURE IN THE DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP PROJECTS: LESSONS FROM THE LEKKI TOLL ROAD CONCESSION

George Nwangwu

ABSTRACT

Government external borrowing is no new phenomenon in Africa. Many African countries, including Nigeria, often explore external financing whether to fund domestic projects or out of a need for foreign currency. In fact, Nigeria’s debt history with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund is common knowledge. However, in addition to loans, governments also adopt instruments such as bonds to raise capital in the international capital market. One of such instruments is the Eurobond. The Eurobond is a type of bond sold to investors in domestic markets outside the country of the currency in which the bond is denominated. In Nigeria, the Eurobond has become a major instrument of external borrowing accounting for up to one-third of Nigeria’s total external debt. Since its adoption by the federal government, many private organisations have also followed suit. The Eurobond is simpler when compared with other instruments, due to the absence of strict regulation. However, despite its attractions, the increasing use of the Eurobond raises several economic implications for the country. With relatively simpler conditions, the frequent use of the Eurobond is increasing the country’s external exposure at a rapid pace. This article provides an overview of the Eurobond, its key features as well as its application in Nigeria. It further discusses the attractions to and identifies legal issues in connection with the Eurobond. Finally, this article presents economic implications of the increased use of the Eurobonds and recommends alternative options of financing.

Keywords: EuroBond; Utility; Global Debt; Government, Nigeria.

THE EUROBOND: A CRITIQUE OF ITS INCREASING UTILITY AS A GLOBAL DEBT INSTRUMENT IN NIGERIA

Bukola Alada

ABSTRACT

Government external borrowing is no new phenomenon in Africa. Many African countries, including Nigeria, often explore external financing whether to fund domestic projects or out of a need for foreign currency. In fact, Nigeria’s debt history with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund is common knowledge. However, in addition to loans, governments also adopt instruments such as bonds to raise capital in the international capital market. One of such instruments is the Eurobond. The Eurobond is a type of bond sold to investors in domestic markets outside the country of the currency in which the bond is denominated. In Nigeria, the Eurobond has become a major instrument of external borrowing accounting for up to one-third of Nigeria’s total external debt. Since its adoption by the federal government, many private organisations have also followed suit. The Eurobond is simpler when compared with other instruments, due to the absence of strict regulation. However, despite its attractions, the increasing use of the Eurobond raises several economic implications for the country. With relatively simpler conditions, the frequent use of the Eurobond is increasing the country’s external exposure at a rapid pace. This article provides an overview of the Eurobond, its key features as well as its application in Nigeria. It further discusses the attractions to and identifies legal issues in connection with the Eurobond. Finally, this article presents economic implications of the increased use of the Eurobonds and recommends alternative options of financing.

Keywords: EuroBond; Utility; Global Debt; Government, Nigeria.

RECOGNITION AND ENFORCEMENT OF ENERGY ARBITRAL AWARDS

Tolulope Aderemi

ABSTRACT

Commercial disputes as with other facets of human interaction are inevitable. In the early oil and gas market era, unilateral action was the order of resolving disputes. With the exponential growth in the global energy market, disputes have consequently become more incremental and their resolution, more nuanced to ensure minimal or nil disruptions to operational activities. A mechanism that accommodates the character and resolution of such disputes is arbitration. This is so because it accommodates expert determinants in what has become a very technical and complex area, and which requires expert guidance for its resolution. However, the incursion of stringent regulations into settlement of disputes has become a point of challenge to arbitral awards in the energy sector, making the recognition and enforceability of energy awards more complex. This article examines how to effectively navigate the interstices of recognition and enforcement of energy arbitral awards. In particular, it examines the impact of section 50 of the National Power Sector Reform Act 2005 and section 11 of the Petroleum Act on adjudication of energy disputes in Nigeria, especially on the arbitrability of tax disputes in Production Sharing Contracts (PSCs). This article demonstrates that before arbitration clauses are inserted in contracts of parties in the energy sector, recourse should be had to the possible effect of statutory regulations on such disputes which may oust the jurisdiction of the arbitrator(s), and consequently make otiose the enforcement of the arbitral award made pursuant thereto.

Keywords: Energy Arbitration; Production Sharing Contracts; Arbitral Awards; Recognition; Enforcement.

TOWARDS A LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR DEPLOYING CARBON TECHNOLOGIES TO ADDRESS THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF GAS FLARING IN NIGERIA

Fatima Bello

ABSTRACT

In 2019, Nigeria contributed 7, 825 million cubic meters (mln m3/yr) to global greenhouse gas emissions. A legal framework has been developed to curb gas flaring and create the incentive to utilise flare gas, which is derived in part from existing legislation, and from market-based incentives. This developed a mechanism to convert waste gas into wealth while protecting health and the environment – a winning formula. Given that the objective of the framework is to guard against waste and protect the environment, it has wasted an opportunity to convert flare emissions into wealth by creating a framework for the deployment of carbon technologies to guard against the environmental impact of gas flaring. This is pertinent because as the industry transits to low carbon, and as oil exploration is expected to continue in the immediate future, critical stakeholders are now investing in carbon technologies. The legal framework mostly channels its technologydriven approach towards utilising flare gas. However, this article finds that the mechanism for converting flare gas to wealth in the legal framework presents an opportunity to harness the potential carbon technologies to develop mechanisms for capturing and utilising carbon from flare facilities, building other industry ecosystems, and developing other environmentally sustainable value chains. As Nigeria continues to explore its petroleum resources, a framework to encourage its deployment is missing. This article analysis carbon technologies highlighting how they are deployed to tackle emissions and utilise emitted carbon. It also reviews the legal framework for curbing gas flaring in Nigeria and proposes by way of recommendation a legal framework for the deployment of carbon technologies to curb the environmental impact of gas flaring in Nigeria that paves the way for incentivising and developing other environmentally sustainable industrial ecosystems that utilise captured emissions from flare sites.

Keywords: gas flaring, carbon technologies, carbon capture, investment, waste gas to wealth

POPULATION GROWTH, GENDER AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs) IN NIGERIA

Oludayo Olorunfemi

ABSTRACT

The global population has more than tripled since the middle of the twentieth century, rising from roughly 2.5 billion in 1950 to nearly 7.9 billion in 2021. According to United Nations (UN) projections, the global population will reach about 11 billion people by the end of the twenty-first century, when it is predicted to stabilise. The population of Nigeria follows the same patterns as the rest of the world. Her population continues to rise at a rapid rate. To achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those linked to reproductive health, education, gender equality, climate change, and the environment, comprehensive law and policy frameworks are required to slow population increase and advance gender equality in decision-making at family and community levels. This paper examines the current law and governance frameworks on gender equality in Nigeria to evaluate gaps that continue to exacerbate the population explosion. We offer several drivers of women's marginalisation at family and community levels, such as an imbalance in power relations, limited education for girls and women, financial inequality, and marginalisation in decision making, that continue to worsen population increase in Nigeria, therefore, slowing down progress on the SDGs' successful implementation and population control. On a multidimensional approach, we examine SDGs 5, 6, 7, 11, and 13 as tools for population control, women empowerment, and gender equality. The SDGs dynamics provide a model for environmentally healthy and long-term population control. This article analyses this from a feminist perspective as integral to sustainable development policies and activities.

Keywords: population growth, SDGs, environment, Nigeria

NORMATIVE ROLE OF THE ECOWAS COURT OF JUSTICE IN TRANSNATIONAL CORPORATE ACCOUNTABILITY

Akinwumi Ogunranti

ABSTRACT

There are growing cases and literature on the accountability of multinational corporations for their human rights abuses in developing countries and the overall implications of such violations for sustainable development. Courts in developed countries continue to declare corporate responsibility, using various approaches either under tort law or international human rights principles. These cases point to a growing corporate accountability norm that is changing the narrative that MNCs are not responsible for the actions of their subsidiaries in developing countries. This article examines how the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECCJ) can, through creative and purposeful interpretation of international guidance instruments, influence the obligatory implications of corporate responsibility in international human rights law. In doing this, it argues that the ECCJ must reconsider its stance on the status of State-owned Enterprises before the court.

Keywords: Corporate responsibility, sustainable development, MNCs, ECOWAS, Strategic litigation

WHEN FOREIGN INVESTMENT AND ITS DISPUTE MECHANISMS WORK AGAINST AFRICAN ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT: REVENUE AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IMPLICATIONS

Marie-Louise Aren & Louis Koen

ABSTRACT

This article explores the importance of the disclosure of beneficial ownership in states revenue collection efforts and its implications for sustainable development. It critically analyses the concealment of beneficial ownership and investment tribunals uncritical acceptance of jurisdiction in such cases. The article suggests that this uncritical acceptance increases the risk of money laundering and could potentially breach fundamental principles of transnational policy. These tribunals have also been hesitant to consider the investors failure to pay taxes when awarding damages. In so doing, the tribunal offers a powerful enforcement tool for investors but leaves the state with only limited recourse.

Keywords: Taxation; Beneficial Ownership; Investment Arbitration; Revenue Law Exception; Counterclaims.

LEGAL ASPECTS OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY IN ETHIOPIA: A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PERSPECTIVE

Bereket Alemayehu Hagos*

ABSTRACT

For many years, corporate social responsibility (CSR) has been shaping policies and actions on the role of businesses in society. This article explains the legal aspects of CSR from the perspective of sustainable development under Ethiopian law, based on the recognition of the crucial role of businesses in achieving sustainable development in the UN 2030 Agenda. By exploring and examining the major Ethiopian laws that govern businesses, it shows that the laws have incorporated diverse rules on CSR and have sustainable development as their objective. It also expounds how CSR, as incorporated in the laws, can be a key instrument to achieve sustainable development in Ethiopia, including through conducting proper governmental supervision of the conduct of businesses and encouraging the adoption and use of voluntary CSR codes of conduct by businesses to complement the CSR laws.

Keywords: Businesses; corporate social responsibility; Ethiopian law; sustainable development; Sustainable Development Goals.

THEORIES AND PRACTICES ON DEPOSIT BONDS USE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN KENYA’S TITANIUM MINING PROJECTS

Geoffrey Omedo*,Kariuki Muigua**, Richard Mulwa** & Robert Kibugi**

ABSTRACT

This article analyses the use of economic incentives, particularly the Environmental Performance Deposit Bonds (EPDBs) in enhancing sustainable environmentally sound mine operations and closure. This is through a review of the environmental challenges and management practices at the Kwale Mineral Sands project. The article reviews the legal challenges around the effective regulation and application of the bonds for environmental management in upstream mining, as well as how the titanium mining project is undertaking environmental management as the mine approaches its closure deadline in 2023. It is important to note that Base Titanium, the company undertaking this project voluntarily deposited environmental reclamation deposit bonds of USD 512,000 to the environmental regulator, as financial assurance for good environmental practices. The data used in the analysis is from literature review, key informant interviews, interview schedules, and focus group discussions. Results indicate that Base Titanium is working hard to comply to the environmental standards and practices, applying the mitigation hierarchy approaches, as well as a robust mine reclamation process. The lack of a proper legal and regulatory framework governing Environmental Performance Deposit Bonds (EPDBs), as well as a non-existent deposit bonds registry systems and guidelines is a challenge to their effective institutionalization. The public and key stakeholders are also unaware of the existence of the bonds, unlike the well-laid down public participation principles in the Environmental (and Social) Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and Environmental Audits (EAs). While the study acknowledges that Base Titanium is greatly expanding the discourse on sustainable finance models for environmental management in Kenya, the lack of legal clarity and coherence is a major impediment for progressive growth in this area.

Keywords: Environmental Performance Deposit Bonds (EPDBs); Sustainable Development; Remediation; Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs).

FOREIGN FICTIONS: ‘RESEARCH’ ABOUT ETHIOPIAN LEGAL REFORM IN A TOP-TIER ACADEMIC JOURNALS

Logan Cochrane*

ABSTRACT

Top tier academic journals claim to publish the most rigorous, peer reviewed research. This evidence based found therein is utilized to support decision making for sustainable development. In parallel, many journals that are published in the Global South are accused of written about Ethiopia and published in a top tier academic journal. The narratives and evidence from that top tier journal are contrasted with research published in Ethiopian journals. This case study shows that Ethiopian scholars have produced important research and contributed evidence, but have largely been ignored, or silenced, perpetuating foreign fictions. This is important because policy and law seeking to enable development are informed and influenced by the research produced in top tier journals. Based upon this, this journals, and further about the continued colonial power imbalances that exist within knowledge production systems. This has implications for universities and scholars, which continue to privilege a particular set of journals that are largely based in the Global North and wherein contributing authors are also largely based in the Global North. The reproduction of colonial relationships within global knowledge production systems calls for much broader critical reflection about whose voices are privileged as authentic conveyors of knowledge and how these privileges are institutionalized.

Keywords: Ethiopia, Foreign Fictions, Knowledge Production, Power, Narrative; Sustainable Development; SDGs

College of Public Policy, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar. Email: lcochrane@hbku.edu.qa

Institute of Policy and Development Research, Hawassa University

AMERICA OR INDIA: IDENTIFYING A SUITABLE OFF-GRID RURAL ELECTRIFICATION MODEL FOR NIGERIA

Eti Best Herbert

ABSTRACT

Most Nigerian living in the rural areas lack access to electricity due to lack of connectivity to the national grid network. The national grid expansion strategy to rural areas has not yielded much result due to financing and centralised approach. Off-grid electricity is considered more suitable for rapid electrification of rural areas. This paper examined the American and Indian approach to rural electrification and derived suitable lessons for Nigeria. While America ensured a robust national grid network to service rural areas, India adopted the renewable energy based off-grid options, thereby becoming the fastest developing country in rural electrification.

Keywords: Rural Electrification, Off-grid, National Grid, Renewable Energy, Financing, Decentralisation.