Our Power, Our Planet: Commemorating International Mother Earth Day
- April 22, 2025
- Posted by: Hub Admin
- Categories: Article, Climatic Justice, Environmental Protection, Publications
By Pamela Udejimba
This year’s International Mother Earth Day “Our Power, Our Planet,” sheds light on Earth as a vast generator of renewable energy and societies’ collective agency to harness and protect these natural resources.
Earth’s Renewable Energy Potential and Nigeria’s Resources
Earth’s geophysical systems constitute immense, renewable energy reservoirs. Solar irradiance across Nigeria averages 5.62-7.01 kWh/m2 in the north and 3.54-5.43 kWh/m2 in the south (Kwok, 2023). This is among the highest in West Africa, yet solar power’s contribution to the country’s energy mix is still very insignificant in comparison to its potential. Hydropower potential from the Niger and Benue River basins exceeds 11, 000 MW, with only 2,062 MW currently exploited (Remteng et al., 2021). Wind resource assessments in Nigeria indicate that the northern states generally have mean wind speeds between 4.0 and 7.5 m/s, making them suitable for onshore wind turbine installations. (Erhinyodavwe, 2024). Geothermal and biomass resources further augment the renewable portfolio. Despite this abundance, reliance on gas-fired plants and diesel generators persists, highlighting a policy–implementation gap that must be addressed to actualise “Our Earth, Our Power.”
Socio-Economic Benefits and Implementation Challenges
Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewables offers several socio-economic advantages. According to Timilsina (2020), “the levelized costs of electricity for renewable electricity technologies, except concentrated solar and offshore wind, are lower than those for fossil fuel-based technologies at the lower range of capital costs and discount rates of 10 per cent or lower.” The Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) sector, “which includes pico-solar appliances, solar home systems (SHS), and commercial and industrial (C&I) standalone systems, currently employs 50,000 people compared to 65,000 in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector” (Ndigwe, 2022). Improved air quality through reduced combustion of fossil fuels can also yield significant public health benefits, mitigating respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Despite evident advantages, progress is still hindered by several factors. Grid instability and inadequate transmission infrastructure limit the integration of various renewable energy sources into the grid. Nigeria’s high interest rates drive up financing costs, which discourages private investors. Skills gaps in engineering, project management and maintenance considerably limit operational reliability. Local resistance often caused by land use disputes and poor stakeholder engagement (lack of public participation in the decision-making process, opposition from local communities’ residents) has significantly stalled or completely halted wind projects from being developed. Furthermore, regulatory uncertainty, particularly around currency exchange and electricity pricing adds uncertainty and exacerbates investor risk.
Policy Frameworks and Infrastructure Development for Renewable Future
It is important to note, however, that technical potential alone is insufficient without enabling frameworks and coordinated action across government, industry and civil society. Nigeria’s Revised Renewable Energy Master Plan 2025 sets an ambitious target of 30 % renewable share by 2030, yet practical barriers remain. Streamlined permitting procedures, transparent feed-in tariffs, tax incentives and concessional financing schemes are essential to attract private investment. Strengthening the capacity of regulatory bodies such as the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Rural Electrification Agency is critical for certificate issuance and compliance monitoring. Public-private partnerships, supported by clear contractual arrangements, can leverage foreign capital while protecting local interests. Moreover, integrating renewable targets into the Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement reinforces accountability and access to international climate finance.
To fully take advantage of renewable energy, Nigeria also needs to modernise its electricity grid. This includes using smart meters to track electricity use more accurately, improving how power is distributed, and expanding the grid to underserved areas. At the same time, more training programmes in technical colleges and universities are needed to prepare people with the skills required to build and maintain renewable energy systems. It is also important to support inclusive business models such as pay-as-you-go solar plans and community investment schemes that make clean energy more affordable and ensure that local communities benefit. Better data on energy resources and how well projects are performing will help shape smarter, evidence-based policies. Furthermore, working with neighbouring West African countries to share power resources can help balance supply and make the entire region’s energy system more stable.
By aligning our natural resources with inclusive governance and supportive institutions, Nigeria can lead the way toward a resilient, low-carbon future, one where our Earth is matched by our collective power to protect and sustain it.