ENERGY ACCESS IN NIGERIA: AN ASSESSMENT OF SOLAR UTILIZATION IN IBADAN

Abstract

Electricity is a major driving force of an economy.
Mostly, its generation in developing countries is from
hydro sources, oil and gas as well as firewood/charcoal.
As a maritime and an oil and gas economy, Nigeria
generates its energy from hydro, oil and gas. Concerns
about depletion, environment and effectiveness of
distributing produced energy are shifting research
direction to other natural sources especially solar energy.
The paper evaluates the consumption pattern and attitude
of Nigerians towards solar energy utilization. The
findings reveal that about 60% of the residents in the
region receive less than 4hrs of electricity energy supply
daily from the regulatory Power Holding Company of
Nigeria (PHCN) in the country; which is absurd to the
residents; fuelwood consumption is the main alternative;
the level of solar energy awareness is high, and, its
utilization is only limited to traffic lights on 3 main
roads, ATM machines and few water pumps in 2 new
residential estates. The challenges towards enhanced
adoption of the source of energy and the implication for
development are discussed.