The Nexus between Clean Energy and Human Rights: Evaluating the Legal Framework for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria

Abstract

All over the world, the issue of Climate change has become a growing concern as it disproportionately harms people's health, livelihoods, and security. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, clean energy helps in protecting fundamental human rights. The United Nations recognises access to clean energy as essential for human health, development, and poverty eradication. Clean energy can improve air quality, provide reliable electricity for homes and businesses, and empower communities. Achieving sustainable development and upholding human rights requires the transition to clean and renewable energy sources. However, the implications of energy development on human rights are often overlooked by the legal framework that governs the energy sector in Nigeria. This article adopts a doctrinal legal research methodology and it examines the relationship between clean energy and human rights by evaluating the existing legal framework on human rights and its potentials to promote sustainable development goals through just transition to a low-carbon economy. The findings reveals the inadequacies and inconsistencies in the existing legal framework and offers recommendations for integrating clean energy development in Nigeria in conformity with human rights principles. This article recommends the adoption of human rights-based approach to energy development to promote access to clean energy, and promoting sustainable patterns of production and consumption through the legal framework, Nigeria can prioritise human rights, accomplish sustainable development goals, and ensure a fair and just transition to a low-carbon economy.