Recommendations for solar photovoltaic system policies in Nigeria: a comparative policy analysis

In most developed nations, electric power is widely utilized and available. The situation is different in developing countries where people struggle to receive enough electricity to meet their basic needs. Nigeria is among the developing countries struggling to supply adequate electricity to its citizens. This situation is worse all over the country, especially in the rural communities that view the lack of electricity in their communities as injustice. Recently, on and off grid solar energy has emerged as an alternative source of clean affordable electricity that most countries are already tapping into, and Nigeria is also aiming to invest in this resource. This thesis combines policy comparative tools and energy justice framework to analyze Nigerian solar PV policy and compare it with South Africa’s to examine the best way to utilize this solar resource for its citizens. This paper aims to recommend a good policy to improve the existing solar policies for all communities in Nigeria. Key findings show that the local private sector strongly supports the South African government in deploying solar PVs, which results in a higher success rate in the policy performance. Another key highlight is the excellent awareness and transparency in the South African contract bidding process and the generous incentives for bidders. This paper concludes by making recommendations to the policymakers in Nigeria on the need to be more transparent in implementing its solar policy. It also recommends transparency of its implementation agenda as well as creating more awareness of its existing benefits