Identifying Opposition Groups in Nigeria
In Nigeria, various societal groups resist accepting climate change and adopting renewable energy solutions. This resistance is often rooted in socioeconomic, cultural, and political factors that reflect the diverse contexts of different communities across the country.
Rural communities comprise nearly 48% of Nigeria’s population and are among the most hesitant to adopt renewable energy. For example, in rural areas of northern Nigeria, many people still rely heavily on firewood and kerosene for essential activities like cooking and lighting. Renewable energy sources, like solar panels, are viewed as luxuries or too complicated to integrate into their daily routines. Similarly, in places like Gombe and Katsina, where rural electrification is limited, these communities rely on kerosene lanterns or firewood because they feel it’s more dependable than renewable alternatives. These communities face challenges like limited access to information about climate change, making it difficult to understand how renewable energy could benefit their lives. Farmers in drought-prone regions like Borno struggle with crop losses but are often unaware of alternative practices, such as solar-powered irrigation, that could mitigate these challenges.
In urban areas, low-income groups—especially in crowded neighborhoods of Lagos like Ajegunle or Mushin—often rely on petrol and diesel generators due to the unreliability of the power grid. While there’s more exposure to renewable energy in cities, high upfront costs make solar panels or batteries unattainable for many. As a result, renewable energy options are seen as “for the wealthy,” leaving these communities feeling excluded from the green transition.
Additionally, in oil-dependent regions like the Niger Delta, communities see the fossil fuel industry as integral to their livelihoods. For instance, many Port Harcourt and Warri residents are either directly employed by oil companies or run businesses that benefit from the industry. This connection creates a wariness toward renewable energy, as they view it as a potential threat to their way of life and economic stability. For some, there’s even a fear that advocating for renewable energy means turning their back on an industry that has defined their communities for decades.
Forms of Resistance in Nigeria
Resistance to renewable energy in Nigeria can range from passive choices to active opposition. For example, many households opt for petrol-powered generators over solar options in places like Kaduna and Kano due to perceived affordability, even though long-term costs might be higher. Business elites and influential figures within Nigeria’s fossil fuel sector also play a role, often lobbying to maintain fossil fuel subsidies or discourage policies favoring renewables. This influence can shape government priorities, slowing down support for renewable energy projects.
Another form of resistance comes through social media, where misinformation about renewable energy costs and effectiveness is sometimes spread. For example, popular WhatsApp groups and social media posts often circulate rumors that solar systems are unreliable or don’t perform well during Nigeria’s rainy season. Even if unfounded, these narratives discourage people from adopting renewables, especially in regions with prolonged rainy seasons like Bayelsa or Cross River.
Reasons for Resistance
A significant factor in Nigeria’s reluctance to embrace renewable energy is a lack of accessible, accurate information. In rural areas like Jigawa and Sokoto, communities may never have heard about renewable energy, let alone seen it in practice. When traditional energy sources like kerosene and firewood are all they know, convincing them to adopt alternatives they may view as foreign or unfamiliar becomes challenging.
Economic constraints are another major reason. Solar panels, batteries, and other renewable technologies require substantial upfront investment, which most Nigerians—especially low-income households—struggle to afford. In cities like Abuja and Ibadan, where electricity tariffs are rising, residents still find diesel and petrol more affordable and accessible than investing in solar, even when blackouts occur. For them, fossil fuels feel practical and familiar, while renewable options feel uncertain and out of reach.
Furthermore, in Nigeria’s oil-rich Delta region, the local population has strong connections to the oil and gas industry. In towns like Yenagoa and Bonny Island, oil extraction is not just an economic activity but part of the community identity. People in these areas are understandably cautious about renewable energy initiatives, which they fear could disrupt the industry and lead to job losses. There’s a perception that advocating for renewable energy could diminish the value of oil, affecting their livelihood.
Strategies to Overcome Resistance
Several strategies are being implemented in Nigeria to encourage renewable energy use, though challenges persist. Educational campaigns led by organizations like Clean Energy Nigeria and the Nigerian Conservation Foundation have made some strides in increasing awareness. These organizations often organize workshops in local communities, translating information into native languages to ensure inclusivity. For example, in the Osun and Ogun states, educational drives are held in Yoruba to make renewable energy concepts more accessible and relatable.
The Nigerian government’s Solar Power Naija initiative, part of the Economic Sustainability Plan, is another approach to overcome accessibility issues. This initiative aims to provide solar solutions to five million households, particularly off-grid communities like those in Borno and Adamawa states, which have faced years of limited electricity access. By subsidizing costs and making payment plans available, this program helps families integrate renewable energy into their daily lives, offering a practical alternative to fossil fuels.
Some financial institutions have introduced microloans specifically for renewable energy equipment for urban households struggling with upfront costs. For instance, in Lagos and Ibadan, certain banks now offer installment-based payment options for purchasing solar panels or batteries. By allowing people to pay in installments, these initiatives make renewable energy more accessible to low-income families who would otherwise be unable to afford the initial investment.
Evaluating Effectiveness and Strengthening Current Strategies
Although these strategies show promise, their impact remains limited, especially in rural areas where resistance is strongest. For instance, while the Solar Power Naija initiative has made renewable energy more accessible, many residents in remote areas still lack adequate information or may feel that solar technology isn’t suited to their daily needs. Similarly, although microloans make solar equipment more affordable, the perception persists that renewables are “second-tier” to fossil fuels.
To address this, institutional frameworks could be strengthened to improve coordination between government bodies, private sector stakeholders, and community groups. These strategies could be expanded and tailored to meet community-specific needs. For instance, additional subsidies or tax incentives for renewable energy in urban centers like Lagos could make solar more competitive with petrol. Greater collaboration with community leaders in rural areas could build trust and encourage adoption. For instance, traditional leaders in towns like Maiduguri or Sokoto could be engaged to champion renewable energy projects, lending them credibility within the community.
Enhanced infrastructure investment is also crucial. In states like Ekiti and Kwara, better distribution networks for renewable equipment and parts would make repair and maintenance more feasible, increasing the reliability of solar systems. By addressing these practical barriers, Nigeria could make renewable energy a more attractive and sustainable choice.
This Post was submitted by Climate Scorecard Nigeria Country Manager Michael Johnson.
Primary Influencer
Organization: Rural Electrification Agency (REA)
Contact: Abba Aliyu, Managing Director/CEO
Email: info@rea.gov.ng
Website: https://rea.gov.ng/
Dear Mr. Abba Aliyu,
I am writing on behalf of Climate Scorecard to commend the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) for its impactful work in expanding energy access and fostering sustainable development across Nigeria. Your efforts have been instrumental in bringing clean energy solutions to rural communities and setting a strong foundation for Nigeria’s energy transition.
To further support REA’s progress, we suggest the following strategies:
- Strengthen collaboration with community leaders to build trust and encourage the adoption of renewable energy.
- Expand awareness campaigns to highlight the benefits of renewable energy and educate communities on its advantages.
- Implement targeted training programs to build local expertise in renewable energy installation and maintenance.
- Improve distribution networks for renewable equipment and parts to make repair and maintenance more feasible, particularly in areas like Ekiti and Kwara.
- Offer tailored incentives in urban centers like Lagos to make solar energy more competitive with traditional fuels.
With these strategies, REA’s leadership can effectively address key barriers, accelerate renewable energy adoption, and help build a sustainable energy future for Nigeria.
Yours sincerely,
Climate Scorecard