Deindustrialization and Effects of Poorly Implemented Energy Policies on Sustainable Industrial Growth

Abstract

One of the biggest challenges facing some developing countries, with regards to industrialization, is the adverse effects of non-compliance to existing policies. One of such is non-adherence to the provision of future energy infrastructure as projected. Adequate supply of energy infrastructural services is essential for economic development. There have been a series of changes in the energy industry in the past decades, with still more changes expected. These changes impact on the energy infrastructure we use. Input to production is seen as one of the most direct role of energy. This chapter highlights the various effects of poorly implemented energy policies and their corresponding impact on sustainable industrial growth with specific focus on the Nigerian case. It explores how non-compliance to the forecasted energy infrastructure provisions – as contained in the 10-year plan covering 1946–1956 of the then Nigerian Government Electricity Undertaking (NGEU) – led to de-industrialization in Nigeria in the 1970s and beyond. It concludes by highlighting some key elements that could be adopted to re-industrialize Africa.