Integrating Human-Computer Interactions in Nigerian Energy System: A Skills Requirement Analysis

Abstract

The energy sector constitutes an important contributor to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy. Despite Nigeria's abundant energy resources, the sector faces multiple challenges, such as infrastructural deficits, policy inconsistencies, regulatory uncertainties, and overreliance on non-renewable energy sources. Industry 4.0 technologies and Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) present opportunities that address the challenges of the energy sector in Nigeria. This research explores the impact of HCI in the adoption of technologies of 4IR (Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Big Data, and Cloud Computing), in Nigeria's energy sector. The research assesses the current level of implementation of Industry 4.0, requirements for the implementation of Industry 4.0 technology, demand, and skills for HCI in the implementation of 4IR technology in Nigeria's energy generation sub-sector. This study adopted a comprehensive and critical systematic review of existing literature on the subject matter. The findings reveal the level of 4IR implementation in its infancy, with some energy companies and start-ups beginning to integrate digital technologies to enhance their operations and services. The study further revealed the potential of HCI in facilitating the integration and social acceptance of 4IR technologies and identified significant skills demand for HCI, such as digital literacy, data analysis, critical thinking, problem-solving, and system thinking to facilitate the adoption of 4IR. The research concludes that the development of HCI skills in the adoption of 4IR presents a great opportunity to transform the energy sector in Nigeria. The research recommends policy formulation, to embrace Industry 4.0 and multifaceted process development of HCI skills for the application of 4IR in the energy sector.