Papers by Keyword: Nigeria

Abstract: University-Industry Collaboration (UIC) is critical for universities to fulfill their role in providing solutions to societal development challenges and generating scientific knowledge, a function that is significantly improved by government participation, as indicated by the traditional triple-helix model. Though, Nigeria currently demonstrates a low level of performance in university-industry research collaborations. Acknowledging the limitations of existing models and the need for a more robust framework, this study adopted a descriptive research design involving primary data collection from respondents across universities in Nigeria. The research comprehensively assessed the constraints inhibiting sustained and robust UIC, the intensity of current UIC activities, the innovativeness of Nigerian universities, and the strategies employed for accelerating UIC and innovation. Based on the analysis of collected data and a synthesis of previous models, this work proposes an improved model that advocates for universities to engage with a broad range of companies, pursue global corporate-sponsored research, establish clear Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) agreements, involve industry experts in research, seek guidance on practical technology application, and integrate new technology-associated skills into curricula. The enhanced model offers a comprehensive framework aimed at improving UIC and innovativeness in Nigeria, addressing the existing fragmented practices and provides a practical guide for stakeholders and policymakers to foster more effective collaborations, thereby contributing to national development.

Abstract: The review of literature reveals cybercrime as one of the fastest-growing global security threats, and in emerging economies like Nigeria, the evolution is intricately configured to the rapid growth of internet accessibility, weak regulatory policies, and socio-economic factors. This review analyses the problem of cybercrime in Nigeria with empirical evidence drawn from a case study that attempts to illustrate the complicated growth pattern of cyberspace in Nigeria. The analysis covers three distinct evolution phases: the initial phase of internet penetration through cybercafés (2000 to 2001) and the proliferation of mobile and GSM technology (2001 to 2011), both precursors to the broadband-enabled digital era, which presumably spans 2011 and onwards. These shifts correspond to changes in the level of sophistication of cybercrime which evolved from simple email hoaxes to identity theft and advanced fraud schemes. While adopting these technologies, other issues such as lack of adequate public awareness, regulatory policies, and limited capacity of cybersecurity approaches are equally pressing. Based on these findings, this research introduced the PRAP (Proactive, Reactive, Active, Persuasive)Framework, which can better contextualize Nigeria's cybersecurity needs. The holistic PRAP framework addresses prevention, incident response, threat assessment, prosecution and adapts to Nigeria's social and technical context. This policy is crucial for public and private sector stakeholders concerned with the fight against cybercrime in developing countries.

Abstract: The persistent rise in inflation rates in Nigeria has introduced significant challenges for the construction industry, particularly in the housing sector. This study investigates the impact of inflation on the quality of housing estate construction projects in Abuja, with a focus on material quality, workmanship, project timelines, and overall construction outcomes. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates quantitative analysis of inflation trends and construction costs using correlation and regression analysis, with qualitative insights from industry stakeholders. Findings reveal a direct correlation between inflation rates and compromises in material quality and workmanship, as well as delays in project completion. The study further identifies adaptive strategies employed by construction firms to mitigate inflationary pressures. These findings contribute to understanding the multifaceted impacts of inflation and offer actionable recommendations for maintaining quality and sustainability in housing estate construction.

Abstract: Despite privatisation, the power sector in Nigeria remains underperforming, with power outages and frequent grid failures in 2024. This research evaluates the performance of the eleven electricity distribution companies (DISCOs) of Nigeria between 2015 and 2024 with respect to electricity supply and customers' access. Quantitative analysis was used to determine the key indicators of a utility company, such as energy supplied, number of customers, energy/customer, customer to energy ratio, customer growth rates, and energy supplied growth rates, all average quarterly and annual.The study reveals poor energy supply stability, with 2024 showing a reduced energy supply for most DISCOS when compared with 2023. The 2024 average energy supplied was 1,897.008 GWh and puts total energy supplied at 20,867.088 GWh. For 2023, the average energy and total energy supplied are 2,003.782 GWh and 22,041.602 GWh, respectively. While most DISCOS showed steady and increasing growth rates, AEDC and IEDC showed a double-digit decline in customer growth rate for 2022. This highlights the poor energy distributed on an individual basis, and the excessive customer-to-energy ratio exceeding 5000 customers/GWh signifies the extreme energy poverty and poor electrification plaguing most of the country.The study shows that privatisation of the nation’s power sector has been unable to achieve its intended objectives of robust electrification, consistent power supply and improved customer access to energy. Hence, emphasising an immediate reassessment of policy and current operations to minimise technical losses and boost energy distribution supply. The study’s value is in its holistic examination of the nation’s distribution sector performance in energy supply and customer reach. The findings aim to catalyse a deliberate collection of DISCOS’ data, a more in-depth analysis of DISCOS’ performance, and a critical identification and examination of energy distribution policies.

Abstract: This paper evaluates the feasibility of hydrogen production targets within Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan (ETP), considering the country’s abundant renewable energy resources, evolving policy environment, and significant infrastructural and financial hurdles. Using a comprehensive review of global and national energy strategies, cost estimates, and technical potentials, the study compares Nigeria’s current hydrogen development status to international benchmarks. Key findings show that although Nigeria has substantial solar, wind, and hydropower potential, along with vast natural gas reserves for green and blue hydrogen, the lack of a detailed national hydrogen policy with clear, measurable targets remains a major obstacle. Additionally, hydrogen technologies’ high capital and operational costs, combined with an overall funding gap in the broader energy transition, call for strong policy frameworks, strategic infrastructure development, and focused human capital investment. The paper concludes with recommendations for a phased, integrated strategy to unlock Nigeria’s hydrogen economy. It highlights the importance of policy clarity, risk reduction in investments, and building local capacity to meet its net-zero goals by 2060.

Abstract: The impact of air pollution on public and environmental remains huge burden in Nigeria that has not been properly addressed. Poverty energy supply has further exacerbated the current situations making business to rely on generators for energy power supply. This study aims to assess the impact of generators-induced air pollution on stress levels among printing press workers in a specific setting Abuja. This cross-sectional designed was adopted to conduct this study among printing press workers who use generators in Abuja. A total of 508 workers were selected using simple random sampling. Data on stress levels were collected using a validated perceive stress scale (PSS) 10 item scale, while exposure to air pollution from generators was assessed through on-site air quality monitoring device. A Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was employed to analyze the relationship between generator-related air pollution and stress levels, adjusting for potential confounders. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 27, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results, shows that the mean PSS 10 scale was: >25.90 (SD 4.35), a bivariate correlation analysis indicates statistically significant positive correlation between the air pollutant variables and perceive stress, p-value 0.001. A GzLM analysis show that; In model 1, the air pollutant variable was found to have a significant positive effect on stress scale (PM2.5: β = 1.029 (95% CI; 1.024-1.034)). In model 2, both the two air pollutants PM2.5 and PM10 were found to be significantly associated with increase in stress levels (PM2.5: β = 1.568 (95% CI: 1.397 – 1.759)) and (PM10: β = 1.336 (95% CI: 1.202 – 1.486)) separately. Contrary to model 1 and 2, most of the variables model 3 were not statistically significantly associated with increase in log odds higher perceive stress, except for PM2.5 which was adjusted. Inconclusion, this study demonstrates statistically significant association between air pollutants and stress scale. The findings highlighted the importance of addressing energy policy issues and air quality concerns as potential factors affecting stress and mental health.

Abstract: This study evaluates the energy efficiency, cost-saving opportunities and nearly zero emissions for the residential sectors of Ghana and Nigeria, focusing on three household appliances: fridges, freezers and bulbs. It analyses the integration of renewable energy systems in residential households, comparing energy-efficient and non-energy-efficient scenarios in both countries. The study uses field data, existing data on RETScreen software and analytical methods to examine the energy consumption patterns of key household appliances and their impact on renewable energy system design, cost, and emissions reduction. As for the energy consumption patterns, Ghana showed higher daily usage of household appliances, with longer operational hours for fridges and freezers averaging 20.3 hours/day, while Nigeria had lower daily usage, averaging 11.8 hours/day for similar appliances. For Nigeria, the annual electricity cost in the non-energy-efficient scenario is approximately 109.69 USD, while for energy-efficient households, the cost is reduced to 79.31 USD. In Ghana, non-energy-efficient households spend around 379.97 USD annually, compared to 317.55 USD for energy-efficient homes. The results highlight the significant cost-saving opportunities of adopting energy-efficient technologies. This higher energy demand in Ghana and its higher electricity tariffs lead to greater overall consumption and higher costs. Despite similar appliance wattages, Nigeria's lower tariff results in comparatively lower energy expenses. Using the energy consumption patterns for both countries under the energy-efficient and non-energy-efficient scenarios, system sizing for solar PV and battery storage was conducted to know the economic viability of renewable energy integration through Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) and Net Present Value (NPV) assessments. In both scenarios, the payback period for solar PV and battery systems in Nigeria is 22 years, making it not economically viable under current electricity tariffs. In contrast, Ghana shows a payback period of 10.3 years, making solar PV systems financially viable. The RETScreen simulation examined two important scenarios for energy efficiency in Nigeria and Ghana: compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) as the baseline and LED lighting as a proposed alternative. The results show different GHG (greenhouse gas) reduction equivalences for the number of automobiles that are not driven, the number of individuals who cut their energy use, the number of hectares of forests that absorb GHG, etc. The study's conclusions highlight the significance of energy efficiency in lowering overall energy usage, tariff rates, and expenses associated with solar and battery systems. The results have also provided more insights for both countries to create more comprehensive policies that will encourage adopting energy-efficient practices and make it cheaper for homes to integrate and use renewable energy systems.

Abstract: Static security is the property of power system to maintain steady or stable operating state when contingencies such as line outages or component failures occur to avoid economic and technical losses. This study assessed the static security of the Nigerian 330 kV, 30-bus electric power transmission grid using a contingency approach. The steady state performance of the power system was modelled using Newton-Raphson based load flow equations and simulated in ETAP software environment. Bus voltage and line loading violations were determined by observing the voltage profile and line flows compliance with the voltage statutory limit of 0.95 to 1.05 p.u. and 80% loading of the thermal (MVA) limit respectively. N-1 contingency evaluation was conducted on fifty lines of the considered network. Performance index (PI) of the outage lines was determined and used to rank each of the contingency cases. Load flow analysis revealed that New – Haven, Onitsha, Gombe, Jos, Kano and Calabar with voltage magnitudes of 0.9003, 0.9468, 0.6608, 0.8141, 0.8138 and 0.9319 p.u. respectively violated the voltage statutory limit while Okapi-Calabar and Alaoji-Calabar with loading of 101.6 and 84.19 % respectively exceeded the recommended 80% loading of the MVA limit. The system total active line loss was 218.08 MW. Contingency analysis results ranked Benin-Onitsha and Ikeja West-Aiyede having the PI of 80.73 and 3.56 as the most and least critical lines respectively. This study established the suitability of contingency method for the assessment of security of a large-scale network such as the Nigerian electricity grid.

Abstract: Nigeria has a significant number of people in Africa without access to electricity. Achieving universal electricity access in Nigeria will have a significant impact on a large number of people’s lives. Currently, Nigeria’s main barriers to universal energy access is rural electrification and unreliable electricity from the grid. Both have significantly influenced the productivity of Nigeria’s economy, which points to the potentially significant economic growth impact that reliable and universal electricity access will have in Nigeria. Access to clean cooking is another challenge faced in Nigeria. More than 80% of households do not have access to clean energy for cooking. In addition to limited access to electricity, other socio-economic factors such as increasing poverty rate, inflation and the poor distribution network for LPG have contributed to the low access to clean energy for cooking. In order to come up with recommendations to increase electricity access in Nigeria, a feasibility study was evaluated using Ikate, Lagos State, Nigeria as the target location. This pilot project demonstrated that electrification via solar home systems and mini-grids is a good starting point for increasing energy access for rural and urban areas in Nigeria. The proposed solution is to use Off-Grid and Mini-Grid Renewable Energy to tackle the problem of access to electricity. The results showed that with a combination of a Solar PV and Generator, only the case of 100kWh/person/year would be affordable by the residents of the community, but will still require some significant capital outlay. A net metering policy that will clarify how customers who generate electricity from renewable energy can manage the excess energy they generate, thus encouraging private participation in renewable energy generation. In addition, we address pathways to improve access to clean cooking across households in Nigeria. Combined with pathways for improving access to electricity forms a basis for a roadmap to ensuring universal energy access in Nigeria.

Abstract: This research work investigated Electricity Pricing in Relation to Households in Lagos State, Nigeria. The population covered household in three specific locations which include Ayobo, Iyana-Ipaja and Ikeja in Lagos State of Nigeria. A sample size of 383 was determined using Cochran Formula. Statistical methods used were percentage and frequency tables for the study. The results of the analysis revealed that majority of the respondents are less familiar with cost/pricing method of electricity in Nigeria. The study also revealed that there is negative welfare effect of the recent pricing adjustment on households in the selected study areas. The study recommended that awareness campaign should be organized by the Electricity distribution companies and other stakeholders with the use of jingles, radio presentation or text messages to all household in their areas of operation to educate them on the pricing methods of electricity.