NDEPENDENT POWER PROJECTS IN NIGERIA: A DISCOURSE OF THE LEGAL ISSUES

Abstract

Access to electricity is fundamental to development and a key driver for economic growth. However, Nigeria as the biggest  economy  in  Africa  and  the  giant  of  Africa  still  experiences  epileptic  power  supply  to  its  citizens.  Without electricity,  health  clinics  struggle  to  provide  basic  services,  children  are  unable  to  get  proper  education,  and businesses cannot grow and thrive in today’s global economy. Reforms were initiated in the electric power sector to enhance economic and social development. As part of the  reform process, Nigeria unbundled its power operations into  generation,  transmission,  and  distribution  subsectors;  privatized  power  generation  stations  and  distribution utilities. Independent power projects were introduced to enhance electricity generation in the country. The objective of this research work is to evaluate the independent power projects as an alternative tool to enhancing electricity in the  country  and  the  legal  issues  arising  from  their  operations.  It  highlights  not  only  the  challenges  that  policy makers  are  facing  but  also  the  underlying  factors  that  contributed  to  healthy  investment  climates.  Ultimately,  this research paper is intended to offer references, options, and tools that may help Nigeria as a country achieve scaled-up and sustainable power sector investment for the benefit of her citizens and her economies as a whole