THE CHALLENGES IMPEDING THE THRIVE OF BIOFUEL INDUSTRY IN NIGERIA AND THE NEED FOR A LEGAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

The popular perception of renewable energy and its sustainability in Nigeria, tends to be concentrated more on solar and in some occasions on wind power. Not much has been seen on biofuel even though biofuel as a source of energy has been in use from ancient times. Biofuel is a kind of fuel that is produced from renewable organic materials from plants and animals. These renewable organic materials are otherwise referred to as biomass. Biofuel has been identified as potentially reliable and renewable energy resource, and it is promising in this regard, which is as a result of its numerous and overwhelming environmental and socio-economic benefits including rural development, land and soil reclamation, energy security and mitigation of greenhouse emissions. As beautiful as biofuel is being presented, not much has been done to encourage its industry in Nigeria. Lack of clear and functional legal framework in biofuel industry is the major constraint impeding the full implementation and utilization of biofuel in Nigeria. In other words, the absence of a legal framework, despite the existence of a Nigerian Bio-fuel Policy and Incentives (2007), no doubt is one of the primary challenges frustrating the growth and development of the biofuel industry in Nigeria. This study aims at identifying the factors impeding the full implementation of biofuel operations and utilisation in Nigeria, as well as specific areas of weak enforcement. The study adopts a doctrinal legal research method, exploring both primary and secondary sources of information to achieve its aim. The outcome from the study will strengthen the potency of the existing legal framework, improve the enforcement strategies and make reference for adoption of best practices.