After engaging 120 participants across 6 Local Government Areas in Nigeria’s six geo-political zones, one thing became very clear:
The biggest barrier to energy transition isn’t just infrastructure—it’s communication.
Despite years of policies and projects, rural communities remain largely unaware or distrustful of energy transition initiatives. Why?
🔹 Most official messages are in English, not the indigenous languages people actually use daily.
🔹 There’s little or no participatory engagement—communities are talked at, not with.
🔹 Information is top-down, disconnected from local realities, beliefs, and practices.
📍 Result? Low public awareness. Widespread skepticism. Minimal adoption.
My new study, currently under review by the African Journal of Science, Technology, Innovation and Development, calls for a fundamental shift:
✅ Use indigenous languages.
✅ Leverage local knowledge systems.
✅ Practice Communication for Development (C4D) — not public relations.
Development communication isn’t a footnote—it’s a foundation.
If we want inclusive energy transition in Nigeria, we must first fix the communication gaps.
Happy to share insights or collaborate with organizations working in this space.
Audu Liberty Oseni
Center for Development Communication