NIGERIA’S ELECTRIC POWER SECTOR REGULATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY- LESSONS FROM MAURITIUS

Abstract

Man needs the earth’s resources to survive. From his use of wood from the forests to fossil fuels which have been fundamental to technological and economic development, his exploitation has resulted in harm and depletion of the environment. In order to meet human needs without compromising the health of ecosystems or depriving future generations, the world is rapidly transitioning away from fossil fuels as its major source of energy to clean electricity. This paper therefore explores the connection between electricity and cleaner environment with particular focus on how legislation can help the electricity sector to ensure that the environment is sustained. Adopting the doctrinal methodology, it examined and questioned the role assumed by Nigeria’s electric power sector legislations in environmental protection while comparing the position in Mauritius. Data drawn from statutes, policy documents, textbooks, journals, internet articles, dissertations and reports all point to findings that Nigeria’s electric power sector regulation is not geared towards ensuring environmental sustainability unlike its co-African country, Mauritius. To truly develop as a Nation, it is recommended that Nigeria’s electric power sector legislations must include robust provisions to encourage renewable electricity generation and energy efficiency.