Navigating Socio-Technical and Political Challenges in Renewable Energy Access: A Mixed-Methods Analysis of Nigeria’s Transition Landscape

Abstract

This study investigates the multifaceted challenges and opportunities in Nigeria’s energy transition within the broader African natural resource context. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research examines how political-institutional fragmentation, local awareness, governance quality, and relational dynamics between actors and technologies influence renewable energy access and equity. The findings suggest that institutional fragmentation and governance misalignments may hinder the effective implementation of national energy transition strategies, while local awareness and quality governance facilitate adoption. Although interactions between actor participation and technology type were not statistically significant, the study highlights the critical role of decentralised, community-led initiatives in promoting equitable energy outcomes. The paper concludes with policy recommendations emphasising institutional reform, capacity building, and inclusive participatory frameworks to foster just and sustainable energy transitions. The research contributes to the understanding of socio-technical and institutional factors shaping energy equity in sub-Saharan Africa and calls for continued empirical and policy innovation.