Journal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy (The)
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp
<p><em>The Journal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy</em> (JSDLP) is Nigeria’s first interdisciplinary sustainable development journal, published by the OGEES Institute, Afe Babalola University, Nigeria. The journal fosters the dissemination of research results and scholarly papers by teaching and research scholars in Africa and across the world in the area of sustainable development law and policy. The OGEES Institute publishes two issues per year.</p> <p>The thematic focus of the journal span across broad areas of sustainable development law and policy ranging from the economic, social and environmental dimensions. As such papers that explore broad themes of sustainable development such as environment, natural resources, green economy, international trade, banking, taxation, public policy, public private partnerships, alternative dispute resolutions, peace, and conflict studies are normally given top consideration. The Editorial Board of the Journal comprises international development scholars and experts from Italy, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Nigeria, Canada and the United States that provide leadership and lend their expertise to promote and enhance the scholarly relevance of the journal. </p> <p>Other websites associated with this journal: <a title="http://www.ogeesinstitute.edu.ng/index.php/research-publications" href="http://www.ogeesinstitute.edu.ng/index.php/research-publications" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://www.ogeesinstitute.edu.ng/index.php/research-publications</a> and <a title="http://www.abuad.edu.ng" href="http://www.abuad.edu.ng" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.abuad.edu.ng</a></p>Institute for Oil, Gas, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development (OGEES Institute)en-USJournal of Sustainable Development Law and Policy (The)2467-8406The copyright belongs to the Institute for Oil, Gas, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development (OGEES), Afe Babalola University, NigeriaStudy of the Efficiency of the Solar-Wind Hybrid Energy Generating System: Its Policy Assessment and Operations in Nigeria
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282740
<p>The Nigerian government has promoted industrial development based on the area of policy implementation. The development of policy and the use of renewable energy in terms of solar and wind energy generation is very significant because of the role of generating energy from green sources in reducing environmental pollution. The aim is to study the efficiency of the solar-wind hybrid energy generating system and the policy assessment of its operations in Nigeria. This research is conducted via a rigorous literature review that cuts across the solar-wind hybrid renewable energy system, grid integration, and energy storage for solar and windmill systems. An alternative analysis is needed to develop energy sources from solar and Wind sources and to provide a strong policy for utilisation. After identifying the challenges, the study further discusses the challenges and future trends of solar-wind hybrid energy generating systems. Furthermore, to propose a solution, the study examined using the Benchmarking process for sustainable policy development for hybrid power generations via wind and solar. From the findings, the northern section has considerable potential, with a daily horizontal irradiation of 7kWh/m2, making it suitable for large-scale solar photovoltaic (PV). The wind speed varies accordingly, but it has a high wind speed of close to 9.5 m/s, which is also viable for energy generation. Therefore, this study will recommend that the Nigerian government relate with other manufacturing industries that are stakeholders in the energy sector to build a sustainable energy generation farm made of solar and wind energy in Northern Nigeria. These results will increase the development and growth of Nigeria's economy and improve the lives of the citizens.</p>Imhade P. OkokpujieLagouge TartibuOlusola OlujobiStella I. MonyeNgozi S. MonyeElizabeta S. Olarinde
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2024-11-252024-11-2515313110.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.1Africa’s Energy Poverty in An Artificial Intelligence (AI) World: Struggle for Sustainable Development Goal 7
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282955
<p>Energy poverty remains a significant challenge in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where approximately 600 million people lack proper access to electricity. This paper examines the region’s current state of energy poverty, highlighting its socio-economic impacts and the barriers to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG7), which aims for affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all by 2030. Despite the region’s rich renewable energy potential, inadequate infrastructure, economic constraints, and governance issues continue to impede progress. This work employs a doctrinal research methodology, focusing on the critical analysis of existing legal and policy frameworks relevant to energy poverty and the integration of AI in energy management. This paper presents an overview of energy poverty in SSA, underpinned by current statistics and trends. It then examines the dual role of artificial intelligence (AI) and how it impacts this area: while AI technologies, through its data centre s, for example, significantly increase energy consumption, AI also offers innovative solutions for energy management, efficiency, and the integration of renewable energy sources. This paper critically analyzes these dynamics using Marxist and Third World Approaches to International Law (TWAIL) frameworks to understand the broader socio-economic inequalities and global power dynamics at play. Major findings indicate that current policy frameworks are inadequate in addressing the unique challenges of energy poverty and the growing role of AI in the energy sector. The paper reviews existing policy and regulatory frameworks, identifying gaps and proposing actionable recommendations for integrating AI into policies to address energy poverty. It concludes with actionable policy recommendations to achieve a just and inclusive energy transition, contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable development and technological equity.</p>Jake Okechukwu Effoduh
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2024-11-252024-11-25153326310.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.2An Examination of the Legal, Policy, and Institutional Framework for Promoting Renewable Energy Projects as Panaceas for Sustainable Development in Nigeria
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282736
<p>Over the years, electricity shortage has been a persistent problem in the socioeconomic development of Nigeria. Although the country’s primary source of energy has been non-renewable energy sources such as natural gas, crude oil, coal and lignite, these sources have negatively impacted our climate, through pollution and greenhouse gas emissions among others. As the world is rapidly shifting from non-renewable fuel sources to renewable energy sources such as: hydropower; solar; biomass; geothermal; and wind which are environmentally friendly to combat climate change, and provide energy security. Nigeria should not be left behind in this global shift. This article seeks to examine the laws, policies and institutional frameworks that promotes renewable energy in Nigeria while identifying the critical challenges that hinders its implementation and discussing the significance of promoting renewable energy for sustainable development. The finding reveals that Nigeria is yet to maximize the benefits of renewable energy sources despite the numerous frameworks that Nigeria has due to barriers militating against its implementation such as absence of a cogent and specific legal framework on renewable energy. Adopting a doctrinal legal research methodology, the study made some recommendations among others, the enactment of a comprehensive, specific and coherent legal framework on renewable energy in Nigeria which is of utmost importance, as well as strengthening the existing policies to enhancing the capacity of energy regulatory bodies.</p>Peace Amayo Ogbodo-NathanielOlusola Joshua OlujobiVera Bidemi Monehin
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2024-11-252024-11-25153649010.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.3Assessing The Impact of Climate Finance on South Africa’s Economy: A Quantile Regression Analysis
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282741
<p>This study investigates the efficacy of climate finance in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change on various sectors of the South Africa’s economy. Leveraging secondary quantitative data from the South African Climate Finance Landscape Report, this research employs quantile regression modeling in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) 2022 to examine the heterogeneous impacts of climate funding across different sectors. The findings reveal that the effects of climate finance vary significantly across quantile levels, underscoring the need for deliberate policy interventions. This study contributes to the growing body of literature on climate finance and offers evidence-based recommendations to support South Africa and other countries in Africa in achieving an inclusive, climate-resilient, and sustainable economy</p>Oluwatoyin Esther AkinbowaleMulatu Fekadu ZerihunPolly Mashigo
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2024-11-252024-11-251539111910.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.4Biotechnology Regulatory Conundrum: Balancing Innovation and Oversight
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282742
<p>The development and application of biotechnology in Nigeria have been significantly influenced by environmental factors, with the country's unique ecological context shaping the adoption and regulation of biotechnology. Nigeria's biodiversity hot spots, such as the Niger Delta and savannas, have driven the development of biotechnology solutions for the conversation and sustainable use of natural resources. Environmental concerns, including deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution, have also spurred the adoption of biotechnology in areas like sustainable agriculture and bioremediation. Furthermore, the impact of climate change on Nigerian agriculture has led to increased investment in climate-resilient biotechnology research and development. As a result, Nigeria's burgeoning biotechnology sector faces a regulatory conundrum as the country strives to harness the technology's potential while ensuring public safety and environmental sustainability. In Nigeria, the National Biosafety Management Agency (NBMA), the National Environment Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA), and the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) share regulatory oversight, but challenges persist. This paper examines the tension between innovation and oversight in Nigeria's biotechnology regulatory landscape, highlighting issues of institutional capacity, public engagement, and ethical considerations. A balanced approach is proposed, integrating stringent regulatory frameworks, robust public participation, and innovation-friendly policies to foster responsible biotechnology development in Nigeria. This paper employs an analytical and comparative approach, utilising the doctrinal legal research methodology, which involves scrutinising both primary and secondary sources to provide a comprehensive and insightful examination of the issue under consideration.</p>Chukwunye Augusta OjeihOlumide OgidanYewande Fadeke OluwajobiBamidele Olasehinde Adebayo
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2024-11-252024-11-2515312014410.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.5Challenges Militating against Indigenous Oil Companies Operating in Nigeria’s Upstream Petroleum Industry: Strategies and Panaceas for their Sustainability
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282743
<p>This article examines the challenges faced by indigenous oil companies operating in Nigeria's upstream oil and gas sector. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the historical background, conceptual clarifications, and the legal framework applicable to these companies and offers recommendations for mitigating these challenges. The historical background highlights the introduction of marginal oil fields and local content policies as initiatives to encourage indigenous participation in the oil and gas industry. However, despite these efforts, indigenous oil companies continue to encounter significant hurdles such as paucity of funds, security risks, shortage of skilled personnel among others. This article adopts the doctrinal legal research methodology with consideration of both the primary and secondary sources of law. The legal framework analysis focuses on relevant statutes such as the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010, the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021, the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020, the Companies Income Tax Act, 2007 and the Finance Act, 2023. The study examined some of the challenges faced by indigenous oil companies including limited access to financing, technological and technical expertise constraints, infrastructure deficiencies, and a lack of patronage from multinational oil corporations. The study found that these challenges hinder the ability of indigenous companies operating in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector to invest in exploration and production activities. These challenges further reduce operational efficiency, and impede healthy competitiveness. In conclusion, as a contribution to knowledge, the study designs a hybrid strategy or panacea for promoting the sustainability of indigenous oil companies in Nigeria. The study recommends strengthening the implementation of existing legal frameworks, enhancing access to financing, investing in infrastructure development, encouraging collaboration and strategic partnerships between indigenous and multinational oil companies, and implementing market support and protection policies. Addressing these recommendations can help mitigate the challenges faced by indigenous oil companies, allowing them to contribute more effectively to Nigeria's economy, upstream sector and the overall growth of the oil and gas industry sustainability.</p>Olusola Joshua OlujobiOshobugie Suleiman IrumekhaiOluwatosin Micheal OlujobiAdetutu Deborah Aina-PelemoDare Ezekiel Olipede
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2024-11-252024-11-2515314517610.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.6Recalibrating the Correlation between Climate Change Mitigation Policy and Environmental Performance in Sub-Saharan Africa: Implications for Biosphere Resilience and Renewable Energy Transition
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282796
<p>As the world transits from primitive sources of energy generation to renewable and sustainable energy, the impact of climate change and biosphere resilience to this innovative transition cannot be over-emphasized. The study analysed the correlation between Climate Change Mitigation Policy (CCMP) and Environmental Performance (EP) in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using a linear regression statistical tool. The study leveraged integrative review and relied on secondary data. It found a positive correlation between CCMP and EP, indicating that focusing on climate change mitigation policies can enhance the SSA region's environmental performance (EP). The findings of this study posited that effective governance and strong institutional policies are crucial for implementing climate change mitigation policies, while, promoting sustainable development. The study concluded that implementing climate change mitigation policies effectively can positively affect the biosphere resilience, and drive the renewable energy transition in SubSaharan Africa. Furthermore, the findings offer noteworthy lessons for policymakers and practitioners working to address the challenges of climate change, environmental degradation, and energy poverty in SSA.</p>Hayatullah Boladale HassanIdris Olawale Raimi
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2024-11-252024-11-2515317719610.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.7New Models for Eradicating Unsustainable Exploitation of Extractive Resources and Its Impact on the Host Communities in Nigeria
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282956
<p>This article investigates the environmental, economic, and community impacts of unsustainable resource exploitation on Nigerian host communities. The paper looked into developing techniques for addressing the hazards caused by unsustainable extractive resource exploitation, including regulatory gaps, governance challenges, existing laws, and policy possibilities. Based on a thorough literature review and desk research, the article identifies weak regulatory enforcement and compliance as major issues for host communities. The study also observes that, while legislative measures like as the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021 and the Nigerian Minerals and Mining Act (NMMA) 2007 provide a legal framework for controlling extractive industries, their implementation has usually been fraught with difficulties. The paper also mentions how the Nigerian government's environmental cleanup and restoration programs, community-based natural resource management, and oil companies' corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts have all contributed to alleviating some of the negative consequences. However, such initiatives typically fail due to incomplete integration and enforcement. To address the difficulties, we offered two policy options: a citizen-centric technology system and the localization/domestication of extractive methods.</p>Oluyemi O. FayomiOlalekan W. AdigunZainab Abdulwahab Zubair
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2024-11-252024-11-2515319722110.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.8Assessment of Hydrogen and Bio-Fuel as Sustainable Alternative Fuels for Internal Combustion Engines and their Legal Structure in Nigeria
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282798
<p>The growing interest in sustainable alternative fuels for internal combustion engines (ICEs) results from rising concerns over ecological pollution and the depletion of fossil fuel stocks. The study aimed to assess hydrogen and biofuel as sustainable alternative fuels for the internal combustion engine and its legal structure in Nigeria. The study cut across a thorough literature review to compile pertinent information on these alternative fuels' characteristics and manufacturing processes, such as Hydrogen and Acetylene as a sustainable alternative fuel for internal combustion engines, Natural gas as an alternative fuel, and Ethanol as a Fuel for Internal Combustion Engine; Biogas as a sustainable alternative for internal combustion engines. Furthermore, the study discusses the challenges and ways forward for hydrogen, Acetylene, natural gas, Ethanol, and biofuel to be employed as alternative fuels. Also, the study looked into the legal structure of hydrogen and biofuel as alternative fuels for internal combustion engines in Nigeria. The results from the study show that hydrogen and biofuel are suitable replacements for fossil fuels. However, the stakeholders in Nigeria need to develop a robust legal structure for its operations and utilisation in Nigeria. The study concluded by making sustainable suggestions for utilising multi-criteria decision analysis for the stakeholders to successfully develop the legal structure that will also ascertain the quality of alternative fuels produced from hydrogen and biofuel.</p>Imhade P. Okokpujie
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2024-11-252024-11-2515322226210.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.9Addressing Environmental Challenges through Fossil Fuel Energy Subsidy Reforms: A Legal Examination
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282800
<p>Environmental challenges, which are evident in every part of the world, are happening more rapidly than ever and currently escalating. The threat, posed by our degrading environment, is principally triggered by our sustained use and production of fossil fuel energy. Yet, the fossil fuel energy industry continues to receive massive support in the form of subsidies every year which is worsening our environmental problems. Although, fossil fuel energy is widely considered to be environmentally harmful, recent estimates of global fossil fuel energy subsidies stand at hundreds of billions of dollars annually. The aim of this article is to address environmental challenges by redirecting societal choice towards environmentally beneficial energy resources through fossil fuel energy subsidies reforms. The article adopted the doctrinal research methodology and generated its data through international treaties, policy documents, textbooks, journal articles, manuscripts, monographs, and internet websites. The article finds that fossil fuel energy subsidies harm and creates environmental challenges including causing over-extraction of fossil fuel energy resources, causing local air pollution, providing significant market barriers to investment in renewable energy, and escalating climate change through increased emissions of greenhouse gases (GHG). The article also finds that fossil fuel energy subsidies reforms benefits the environment by creating significant fossil fuel energy resource efficiency gains, generating revenue to finance investment in renewable energy, mitigating climate change through reduction in GHG emissions, and reducing local air pollution. The article concludes with a call on the international community to start addressing environmental challenges through fossil fuel energy subsidies reforms.</p>Empire Hechime NyekwereUche NnawuleziOmoleke MuslimMarry-Ann O. AjayiNgozi Chinwa Ole
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2024-11-252024-11-2515326328610.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.10Impacts of Green Technology on the Promotion of Renewable Energy in Nigeria: The Imperatives of Regulatory Mechanism
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282802
<p>In an attempt to address the environmental challenges associated with the extraction and burning of fossil fuels in Nigeria and other nations, special attention must be paid to the issue of renewable energy, which has been neglected in the last few decades. The main objective of this paper is to evaluate the the impact of green technologies on the promotion of renewable energy in Nigeria and the need to have a legal framework for green energy in Nigeria. The paper examined the nexus between renewable energy and green technology; it also reviewed the mechanisms for promotion of green technologies as well as the role of law in the deployment of green technologies for sustainability purposes in Nigeria. This paper adopted the doctrinal approach in analysing the impacts of green energy on Nigeria's push for renewable energy that is sustainable and environmentally friendly. This paper found that green technologies evolved from the need to address environmental concerns over greenhouse gas emissions from 'dirty energy,' in addition to efficiency in the production and use of energy. The study recommended that laws and policies should be implemented to support green energy.</p>Tayo DouglasAdebiyi Anthony AdepojuYewande Fadeke Oluwajobi
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2024-11-252024-11-2515329731310.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.11The Role of Digital and Scientific Technology in Complimenting Global Legal Framework Towards Clean Energy Transition
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282804
<p>The global environment is endowed with several natural resources including energy sources such as biomass, hydro, and the potential for gas and oil production. However, the exploration of these energy sources is considered essential for economic development and growth global. However, harnessing and utilizing some of these energy sources such as biomass fuel products and fossil fuels are regarded as unfriendly to climate earth. This is concerning the fact that recent climate change and global warming are deemed to be associated with toxic chemical waste as a result of the exploration activities from harmful energy sources which often reduce the environment to a deplorable and vulnerable state. Hence, there is need for incorporating technology and scientific discoveries such as the metaverse concept, nanotechnology and biotechnology, towards clean energy transition. The study adopts a doctrinal method of study, the data obtained from primary and secondary sources were analysed through analytical and descriptive methods. The study found that, although fossil fuel, traditional biomass, thermal power, and nuclear power are essential for economic development and growth. However, they are considered a greater threat given their unfriendly nature to climate earth. Although there are global laws and agreements (such as Kyoto Protocol, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) concerning curtailing the use of harmful energy sources, there seems to be a high demand for these energy sources, thereby leading to severe climate change. The study further reveals that current technological and scientific discoveries such as metaverse concept, nanotechnology and biotechnology could aid in clean energy transition. The study therefore concludes and recommends that, given the harmful nature of conservative energy sources to climate earth, there is a need for a global shift toward promoting sustainable technology and scientific discoveries such as metaverse concept, nanotechnology and biotechnology toward a cleaner energy transition.</p>Paul Atagamen AidonojieOluwaseye Oluwayomi IkubanniAdesoji Kolawole AdebayoOlusola Joshua OlujobiMundu M. Mustafa
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2024-11-252024-11-2515331434310.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.12Interrogating the Impact of Federalism on Clean Energy Transition: A Comparative Study of Nigeria, the United States of America, and Australia
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282809
<p>The shift to clean energy sources from fossil fuels is critical and could be a challenge. However, this transition becomes even more complex in federal systems, where the interaction between the national and subnational governments creates unique challenges and also opportunities. This paper explored the dynamics of federalism in either facilitating or hindering the transition to clean energy. It focused on regulatory frameworks, policy approaches, and practical experiences in the USA and Australia. This paper also identified key challenges in this transition by looking at the case studies of the two countries. Additionally, this paper offered a comparative analysis with lessons and approaches that are particularly relevant to Nigeria and other federal nations, to achieve a sustainable clean energy transition. The research found that while federal structures present significant obstacles, they also provide opportunities for innovation and customized policy implementation toward a sustainable clean energy transition. Thus, the study recommended among others the need for a comprehensive national plan and advocates developing collaborative platforms for effective clean energy transition in Federal nations.</p>Damilola Joseph AnifowoseOluwaseye Oluwayomi Ikubanni
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2024-11-252024-11-2515334437510.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.13Legal Frameworks for the Sustainable Use of Outer Space for Energy Security, Equity and Prosperity for All States
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282815
<p>The world energy crisis is real and this has been caused, among many reasons, by overpopulation, international wars and natural disasters. The energy shortfall and the demand for more energy options have raised worries among active players in the energy sector. The current trend is to explore renewable energy resources; however, the energy class from outer space has yet to be explored and offers a wide range of alternatives. It is crucial to note that abundant energy can be extracted from the sun, and solar energy has previously been employed on the terrestrial earth to address some energy restrictions. However, weather fluctuations significantly reduce the usefulness of solar power. One significant disadvantage of exploring and using renewable energy from outer space is the necessity for an appropriate legal and administrative framework to regulate energy-tapping activities. This research examines the factors militating against the effective use of energy from outer space. It sheds light on environmental and health laws and human considerations. It also examined the Space Treaties and other relevant Laws regulating the activities carried out in outer space. The research makes recommendations on how to tap into the use of renewable energy from outer space.</p>Yewande F. OluwajobiOreoluwa Omotayo OduniyiAdetutu A. AdewoleAkinjide O. Oluwajobi
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2024-11-252024-11-2515337639810.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.14Promoting Renewable Energy through a Decentralised Electricity Regulatory Framework – An Analysis of Nigeria’s Electricity Act 2023
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282818
<p>In the ever-evolving landscape of energy production and consumption, Nigeria stands at a pivotal crossroad as it seeks to revolutionize its electricity sector by moving from the use of non-renewable energy sources to renewable sources while improving access, cost and resilience. To promote access to electricity, the paper evaluates the Electricity Act 2023, and discusses opportunities for developing an appropriate regulatory framework that will facilitate and promote the increased integration of renewable energy (RE) into Nigeria’s energy mix. The paper employs qualitative research method by examining the former and the existing electricity law in Nigeria and explores the extent that the regulatory framework promotes the integration of RE into the energy mix. The paper investigates secondary sources by analysing the improvements to the RE framework introduced by the Electricity Act 2023 and builds on decentralization approaches that encourages the involvement of State and local entities in governance and decision-making processes. It discusses specific RE provisions in the Electricity Act 2023 such as the renewable generation obligation and ties it to the opportunities and challenges with respect to increased RE integration in Nigeria’s energy mix. The paper concludes that decentralization could help in strengthening capacity building and technical competence at the state and local level and this is critical for promoting the integration of RE in Nigeria’s energy mix thereby increasing the prospects for meeting Nigeria’s climate commitments with the attendant benefits for the energy transition.</p>Adebola Adeyemi
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2024-11-252024-11-2515339942110.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.15Unveiling the Powers of the ICC Prosecutor: Promoting Access to Justice and Accountability through Sustainable Development Goal 16
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282957
<p>Criminal prosecution, as one of the transitional justice mechanisms, aims to address the legacies of serious human rights violations and international humanitarian law. The mandate of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is to bring perpetrators of atrocity crimes to justice by initiating investigations, issuing arrest warrants and conducting criminal trials. At the heart of ICC's mandate is the Prosecutor, whose powers are indispensable for achieving peace, access to justice and accountability in the international community. Sustainable Development Goal16 (SDG 16) is characterised by its focus on nurturing peaceful and inclusive societies, ensuring access to justice, and strengthening effective institutions. This paper explores the intersection of SDG16 with the discretionary powers vested in the ICC Prosecutor in investigating and prosecuting atrocity crimes. Employing a doctrinal approach, it critically examines legal frameworks, principles, and case precedents to unravel the intricacies and implications of prosecutorial discretion. The paper reveals the diverse array of influences that guide the ICC Prosecutor's selection of situations and cases, encompassing legal and extra-legal considerations. Notably, the paper emphasises the substantial impact of the ICC Prosecutor's discretionary powers on the advancement of SDG16, particularly in investigations, case prioritisation, and collaboration with national jurisdictions. Furthermore, the paper recommends proactive cooperation and positive complementarity among states to effectively realise the objectives of SDG 16.</p>Oriola O. Oyewole
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2024-11-252024-11-2515342245710.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.16The Nexus between Clean Energy and Human Rights: Evaluating the Legal Framework for Advancing Sustainable Development Goals in Nigeria
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282824
<p>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.</p>Peace Amayo Ogbodo-NathanielOlusola Joshua OlujobiCynthia Chukwufumnanya IzuNathaniel Imomion Ogbodo
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2024-11-252024-11-2515345848210.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.Appraisal of Legal and Institutional Mechanisms for Promoting Energy Security for Sustainable Development, Energy Equity and Economic Prosperity in Nigeria
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282958
<p>The Nigeria energy security issues cuts across availability, affordability, reliability, and environmental sustainability. The paper explores the intricate relationship between legal frameworks and institutional structures designed to ensure energy security for sustainable development, equity, and economic prosperity and illuminates how nations can adeptly navigate energy transition while balancing competing interests and priorities. It also outlines the responsibility of national governments to ensure fair and equitable access to energy for people, without causing harm to nature and the climate. The paper adopts a mix research methodology by conducting an in-depth examination of existing legal and institutional mechanisms at the national, regional, and international levels to highlight best practices, emerging trends, and innovative approaches that can help bolster energy security, foster equity in energy access, and safeguard the right to affordable energy supply in Nigeria. It also conducts a comparative case study analysis of successful legal and institutional mechanisms for energy security in Norway and extracts valuable lessons for Nigeria such as identifying and considering all different interests in developing a robust energy framework. The paper finds that currency convertibility, financing structures, insecurity, the availability and affordability of technology supply and technical know-how in the renewable energy sector are some of the challenges of energy security in Nigeria and therefore it, offers insights to guide decision-making processes and influence the future trajectory of energy governance. It concludes that the implementation of robust legal frameworks and institutional structures will significantly enhance energy access, energy efficiency and renewable energy development in Nigeria and drive sustainable development and economic prosperity.</p>Onyinyechi Lilian UcheEbele OgwudaKenechukwu C. Asuku
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2024-11-252024-11-2515348352010.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.18Sustainability Assurance, Carbon Emissions Performance and Reporting Quality of Carbon Intensive Industry in Sub-Saharan Africa
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282826
<p>The quality of the sustainability report published across organisations has consistently been questioned over the years. In response, organisations have been increasing the credibility of their sustainability report through external assurance. This study examines the association between Sustainability Assurance (SA); big-4 and Sustainability Reporting Quality (SRQ) as well as examines the moderating effect of Carbon Emission Performance (CEP) between sustainability assurance and reporting quality of carbon intensive industry in sub-Saharan Africa. Ex-post facto research design was used. The population is 332 listed organisations. The population represents the sample size with the use of census sampling technique. The findings reveal that SA and the use of big-4 both improve SRQ. On the other hand, CEP does not moderate the association between SA and SRQ as CEP and SA both individually improve SRQ. The study offers a practical implication on the importance of SA in improving reporting quality in sub-Saharan Africa given the peculiarity of the region; it educates organisations in the region on the advantage they stand to benefit in publishing quality sustainability reports. It is also expected to improve the orientation of organisations and internal stakeholders towards SRQ as the adoption of SA benefits the stakeholders more through attraction of more investment. The findings also suggest to the government how the existence of a standard institutional framework will be helpful to organisations.</p>Adebola Abass JabarOluwaseun T. Adeosun
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2024-11-252024-11-2515352154910.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.19Contemporary Issues in Nigerian Law: Essays in Honour of Professor Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde, FCAI, FCArb (Lawlexis International, Lagos, 2023)
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282959
<p>No Abstract.</p>Adaora Osondu-OtiIfeoluwa A. OlubiyiAfolalu Sunday AdeniranOmolola Olarinde-OlomolaAbraham AdeniranAdetola Adesina
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2024-11-252024-11-2515355056610.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.20Editorial Comments
https://www.ajol.info/index.php/jsdlp/article/view/282660
<p>No abstract.</p>Oluwasola Joshua Olujobi
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2024-11-252024-11-2515310.4314/jsdlp.v15i3.