RENEWABLE ENERGY TRANSITION IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA: LEGAL PROSPECTS, CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIC PATHWAYS FOR NIGERIA

Abstract

The transition to renewable energy is gaining global momentum as countries strive to address climate change, ensure energy security, and achieve sustainable development. In Sub-Saharan Africa, however, the shift from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources remains uneven, with numerous structural, legal, and institutional challenges impeding progress. This paper critically examines the legal prospects and barriers surrounding renewable energy adoption in the region, with a particular focus on Nigeria the continent’s most populous nation and one of its largest oil producers. Drawing on comparative legal analysis and policy evaluation, the study explores how existing legal frameworks either promote or hinder renewable energy development. It further identifies gaps in regulation, inadequate enforcement mechanisms, and the absence of coherent energy transition policies as key obstacles. The paper proposes strategic legal reforms tailored to Nigeria’s socio-economic and environmental needs, emphasising the need for clear legislation, robust institutional support, and targeted incentives to attract investment in clean energy. By aligning national energy laws with global best practices, Nigeria and its Sub-Saharan counterparts can accelerate the shift toward sustainable energy systems. This study contributes to the broader discourse on environmental governance and energy justice in the Global South, offering practical legal pathways for a just and inclusive energy transition.