Tidal Energy: Accelerating Nigeria's Sustainable Energy Supply

@article{1722852,
      author = {Dagogo Mackintosh Africanus Bob, Efoke Matthew U.},
      title = {Tidal Energy: Accelerating Nigeria's Sustainable Energy Supply},
      journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
      year = {2026},
      volume = {10},
      number = {3},
      pages = {799-814},
      issn = {2456-8880},
      url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1722852.pdf},
      abstract = {The global demand for electricity, coupled with commitments to climate change mitigation, has intensified the search for sustainable and low-carbon energy alternatives. Despite Nigeria's abundant renewable energy resources, the country's electricity sector continues to experience persistent supply deficits arising from ageing infrastructure, transmission losses, and overdependence on fossil fuel-based generation. While considerable attention has been directed towards solar, wind, and hydropower, tidal energy remains largely unexplored despite Nigeria's extensive Atlantic coastline and favourable coastal hydrodynamic conditions. This study examined the potential of tidal energy as a viable renewable resource for accelerating Nigeria's sustainable electricity supply. Specifically, the study assessed the tidal energy potential along Nigeria's coastal zones, evaluated its feasibility for electricity generation, and examined its contribution to Nigeria's energy transition and sustainable development agenda. A systematic literature review and analytical synthesis approach was adopted, drawing evidence from peer-reviewed journal articles, technical reports, and policy documents obtained from recognized academic databases. The reviewed literature was analyzed thematically with emphasis on tidal resource availability, technological feasibility, environmental implications, policy readiness, and integration into the national energy mix. The findings revealed that Nigeria possesses significant tidal energy potential, particularly within the Niger Delta, Bonny River, Brass River, Forcados Estuary, Lagos Lagoon, and Calabar Estuary, where favourable tidal currents and estuarine characteristics exist. The study further established that tidal energy offers predictable electricity generation, enhances energy security, supports rural and coastal electrification, reduces dependence on fossil fuels, contributes to climate change mitigation, and advances the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. However, high capital investment requirements, technological limitations, inadequate research, weak policy frameworks, limited technical expertise, and grid integration challenges continue to hinder large-scale development. The study concludes that tidal energy represents a strategic component of Nigeria's future renewable energy portfolio and recommends the development of a dedicated national marine energy policy, increased investment in research and pilot projects, strengthened public-private partnerships, improved coastal resource mapping, and enhanced institutional support to facilitate its successful integration into Nigeria's sustainable energy transition.},
      keywords = {hydropower, tidal energy potential, fossil fuels, sustainable electricity supply renewable resources.},
      month = {September},
  }