Open AccessCentralized Electricity Grid and the Rural Economy of Nigeria
Author(s) -
Chigasa C. Uzoma,
C Atama,
K Okpara,
Ikechukwu Igwe,
M Nnaji,
C I Adagba,
E F Onyekaozuru
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
iop conference series. earth and environmental science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1755-1307
pISSN - 1755-1315
DOI - 10.1088/1755-1315/730/1/012015
Subject(s) - rural electrification , electricity , electrification , grid , rural area , descriptive statistics , mains electricity , business , rural economy , environmental economics , economic growth , economics , geography , engineering , political science , statistics , mathematics , voltage , geodesy , law , electrical engineering
Electricity is necessary for economic development and no doubt, the best way to ensure adequate supply is through the grid. Nigeria operates a centralized grid system and little is known about how the centralized grid system impacts on the rural economy. This paper examines the impact of the centralized electricity grid on rural electrification and rural economy of Nigeria. Questionnaires were employed to generate data, from 894 respondents in three senatorial districts, in Imo State. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive and inferential (X2 -Chi square) statistics. Result shows that the electricity situation in rural areas is abysmal. Consequently, rural living standard is very low, due to lack of income opportunities. It is concluded that given Nigeria’s large geographical size, the centralized grid rural electrification is fundamentally inadequate. A decentralized electricity structure with emphasis on mini-grids and a priority on localized generation is recommended.