Strategic Approaches to Enhancing Energy Access in Rural Nigeria: An Empirical Analysis

Rural Nigeria faces significant challenges in accessing reliable energy sources, which exacerbates poverty and hinders economic development. The study employs qualitative research methods including semi-structured interviews with stakeholders, focus group discussions, and document analysis. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Interviews revealed that solar home systems have shown a success rate of approximately 85% in reducing energy poverty among rural households, with significant reductions in kerosene usage by more than half. Strategic deployment of solar home systems is recommended as an effective solution for enhancing rural energy access and alleviating poverty. Governments should prioritise public-private partnerships to finance and implement these initiatives, ensuring sustainability through robust monitoring mechanisms. The empirical specification follows Y=₀+^ X+, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.