ENERGY SECURITY AND SUSTAINABILITY IN NIGERIA: AN ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF POLICY AND REGULATION IN PROMOTING ENERGY ACCESS AND REDUCING ENERGY POVERTY
Keywords:
Energy security, energy poverty, energy policy, energy regulation, energy access, Nigeria.Abstract
Energy security and energy poverty remain critical challenges affecting sustainable development in Nigeria despite the country’s abundant energy resources. This study examined the role of policy and regulatory frameworks in promoting energy access and reducing energy poverty in Nigeria. A quantitative survey research design was adopted for the study, and data were collected from stakeholders in the Nigerian energy sector using a structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistical techniques including regression analysis at a 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that energy policy and regulatory frameworks significantly influence energy access in Nigeria, with the regression analysis showing R = 0.612 and R² = 0.374, indicating that policy measures explain 37.4% of the variation in energy access. The study also found that policy and regulatory interventions significantly contribute to reducing energy poverty, with R = 0.584 and R² = 0.341. In addition, regulatory effectiveness was found to significantly influence energy security, accounting for 40.7% of the variation in energy security (R² = 0.407). These results indicate that effective policies and strong regulatory institutions play a critical role in improving energy availability and promoting sustainable energy development in Nigeria. The study concludes that while Nigeria has implemented several policy reforms aimed at improving energy access and sustainability, the success of these reforms depends largely on effective regulatory enforcement, infrastructural development, and sustained investment in renewable energy systems. The study recommends stronger regulatory oversight, increased investment in energy infrastructure, expanded renewable energy programs, and improved policy consistency to enhance energy security and reduce energy poverty in Nigeria.
