Policy approaches to drive energy efficiency in Nigerian urban households – Jumoke Omodeni

Nigeria’s electricity sector has long struggled to meet the energy demands of its growing population. According to the World Bank, an estimated 43 per dent of Nigerians lack access to electricity, giving the country the world’s largest energy access deficit. Despite the Federal Government increasing the national grid’s power capacity to 13,000 MW and the electricity grid’s transmission capacity to 8,500 MW as of October 2023, only 4,500 MW are generated daily. This shortfall results from persistent challenges, including insufficient transmission capacity, inadequate power generation, and outdated distribution systems. These challenges have caused the power sector to underperform consistently over the years.

As Nigeria’s population is projected to increase to 400 million by 2050, the Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates that Nigeria’s energy consumption will increase by 56 per cent by 2040. Despite efforts to extend energy access, reports show that electrification advances in Nigeria still need to keep pace with population growth.

Additionally, the recent hike in electricity tariffs by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), which caused tariff prices to increase by 231 per cent, has exacerbated the energy access deficit. However, the federal government of Nigeria has established ambitious targets for the electricity sector by 2030, which include providing electricity to 90 per cent of the population (SE4ALL), achieving a 30 per cent share of renewable energy in the energy mix (REEEP), and reducing carbon emissions from the power sector.

Amid these broader issues, an emerging trend in energy consumption in urban Nigerian households hinders our progress toward energy sustainability goals. In 2019, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) reported that the average energy consumption per residential customer connected to the grid in Nigeria was about 60 kWh per month. It is also important to note the varying energy consumption levels across different segments of the Nigerian population. Households in urban areas consume more energy due to the need for more appliances. In comparison, energy consumption in rural areas is lower due to the low number of appliances used. Although household access to electricity in Nigeria remains low, the urban households with access to electricity potentially consume more power.

Enhancing energy efficiency in Nigerian urban households will help reduce the overall energy consumption, which will ensure a climate-friendly and sustainable energy system. Energy efficiency refers to using energy sources like electricity while using the least amount possible. It’s not just about using less energy; it’s about optimising how we use it to end up using less. Given this context, it is essential to explore policy approaches that can drive the efficient use of energy in urban Nigerian households.

Policy Approach and Call to Action

Stringent Quality Assurance for Importation of Used Electronics:
Improving policy in the area of quality assurance for importing used electronics is critical to ensure energy efficiency and prevent inefficient electronics from entering the market. This policy would be particularly impactful in Nigeria, where second hand electronics are commonly used. Improving quality assurance involves setting strict standards for the energy efficiency of imported used electronics and enforcing compliance through rigorous testing and certification processes. This is evident in Japan’s successful approach to used electronics. Japan Home Appliance Recycling Law, enacted in 2001, required that all imported and used electronics meet high energy efficiency standards and pass rigorous testing to ensure they are in good working condition. This policy has helped Japan maintain a high energy efficiency standard and significantly reduced electronic waste. However, enforcing such standards would require capacity building for regulatory bodies. It is also worthy of note that stricter regulations could increase the cost of electronics which will impact the overall availability for low-income households.

Government Investment in innovations among its youthful populace: Government funding can drive locally relevant initiatives and solutions that can help address its energy concerns. Youth startup challenges and funding from Nigeria can help drive viable solutions and technological advancements rooted in Nigeria’s reality. Investing in the youthful population can drive innovative solutions to the country’s energy challenges.

Public Education and Awareness Campaigns: Initiatives to educate the masses about energy efficiency and responsible energy consumption patterns will help drive energy security. However, developing practical and culturally relevant messaging to different demographics requires collaborations between the government, the private sector, and NGOs like the Eco Science Generation Initiative (EcoSciGen). Programs aimed at educating people about efficient energy consumption will build people’s capacity to become more aware and informed. For instance, the German government runs extensive public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the benefits of energy-efficient appliances. However, awareness and education campaigns need to be sustained over time for maximum impact.

The way forward in achieving sustainable energy system is to have a more intentional government and a populace that will absorb behavioral changes. If the government and its citizens are willing to work in tune, achieving energy security and a sustainable energy system will be possible. The government can also address these issues by enacting stricter quality assurance for imported electronics, investing in youthful innovation, and raising awareness and education campaigns to promote behavioral changes.

Jumoke Omodeni is a climate and energy policy researcher and the executive director at Eco Science Generation Initiative (EcoSciGen).