Exploring the Human Rights Impact of Subsidy Removal: Studies from Renewable Energy Transition in Nigeria and China

Abstract

The objective of this study is to examine the human rights implications of subsidy
removal for renewable energy promotion, gleaning experience from Nigeria and China.
The research aims to evaluate how energy policy reforms can balance the advancement
of renewable energy with the protection of human rights, ensuring that disadvantaged
and marginalised populations are not disproportionately affected. This research is rooted
in the global shift towards sustainable energy sources as a response to climate change.
This transition often involves removing or phasing out subsidies for fossil fuels, which
can have ugly socio-economic impacts. Nigeria and China, as developing economies
with renewable energy ambitions, present valuable studies for assessing these dynamics.
The research methodology adopted for this study is doctrinal, which involves an analysis
of relevant legal frameworks governing subsidy primarily in China and Nigeria,
complemented by a comparative analysis intended to assess the impact of removal of
subsidy and its socio-economic effect in both countries. Results indicate that while both
Nigeria and China have made giant strides in promoting renewable energy, challenges
remain in ensuring that these policies do not undermine human rights of their citizens.
The findings command the urgent need for transparent decision-making processes, legal
reforms to protect vulnerable populations, and international cooperation to share best
practices and expert guidance. In essence, the study defines the importance of integrating
human rights considerations into energy policy frameworks. By implementing relevant
legal reforms, and ensuring adherence to international human rights norms, countries
can achieve a more equitable balance between renewable energy advancement and
human rights protection.