Experts in the energy sector have called on the federal government to create energy transition frameworks to attract investment into the sector.
The experts who spoke at the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) Lecture Series yesterday in Abuja also said public-private partnership was required in identifying and developing alternative energy sources.
About 85 million Nigerians, representing 43% of the country’s population, still don’t have access to grid electricity while the supply is epileptic where the grid is accessed.
But Prof. Wumi Iledare of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana, said apart from creating frameworks, the government should also engage experts to identify the best mix of energy resources that fits Nigeria.
“Energy mix protects countries from energy disruptions and strengthens energy security. It protects importing countries from market risks such as fluctuations in supply or pricing. It reduces the risks posed by political unrest or natural disasters,” he said.
The CEO of Soboms Nigeria Ltd, Boma Benebo, said Nigeria still faced significant energy challenges because of little investment in the sector.
The Director-General of ECN, Prof. Eli Bala, said the lecture was for providing information on national policy on energy development.
It is also to collate, analyse and publish information relating to the field of energy from all sources to develop Nigeria’s energy sector, he added.