Who triggers change? Social network mapping, stakeholder analysis and energy systems interventions in Nigeria’s electricity sector

Following decades’ of energy systems interventions, there has been growing concerns about the impact of historical interventions on-the-ground and how they shape changes in energy systems. Who are the key actors and how have they shaped historical energy systems interventions? In this study, an analysis of stakeholders in Nigeria’s electricity sector through a social network mapping lens was conducted. First, a stakeholder mapping based on an interest-influence matrix that shows the degree of various stakeholder interest and influence in shaping decisions and interventions in both centralized and decentralized electricity systems was developed. Secondly, a stakeholder network grid that shows the relations between the various stakeholders (who knows whom) was developed. The study reveals that there are stronger network relations among stakeholders involved in issues and decisions on centralized electricity grid infrastructure which is influenced by the presence of stronger regulations/regulatory instruments. However, these stakeholder relations are weaker in decentralized electricity systems due to less stringent regulations in the decentralized electricity space. The study concludes by highlighting the impact of the stakeholder relations and the interest-influence tussle on the future of electricity systems development in Nigeria.