Over the past year, from August 2024 to July 2025, Nigeria's electricity consumption was notably composed of fossil and low-carbon sources. More than two-thirds of the electricity generated, approximately 24 TWh, came from fossil fuels, all of which was derived from gas. The remaining nearly one-third, around 9 TWh, was sourced from hydropower, a clean low-carbon energy type. Compared to the global average electricity consumption of 3781 kWh per person, Nigeria’s per capita usage is substantially lower. Such low electricity consumption can significantly impact the quality of life and economic development, limiting industrial growth, access to modern conveniences, and efforts to improve healthcare and education services.
Is Electricity Growing in Nigeria?
In terms of electricity growth, Nigeria's current per capita consumption of 142 kWh in 2025 reflects a concerning decrease from a previous high of 187 kWh recorded in 2016, marking a decrease of 45 kWh per person. Similarly, the current level of low-carbon electricity generation, at 40 kWh per person, is a drop from the historic high of 62 kWh reached in 2002 – a reduction of 22 kWh. This decline highlights a troublesome trend of stagnation in the country's move towards a more sustainable and self-reliant energy future. Increasing electricity consumption, particularly from low-carbon sources, is essential to meet evolving energy demands and support economic progress.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Nigeria can draw inspiration from successful regions around the world. Countries like China and India have made substantial investments in solar and wind energy, generating 1025 TWh and 154 TWh from solar, and 1122 TWh and 102 TWh from wind, respectively. Meanwhile, the United States has leveraged nuclear energy to produce a significant portion of its electricity, a whopping 778 TWh. By considering a mixed strategy that incorporates solar, wind, and nuclear power, Nigeria can significantly boost its low-carbon electricity production, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and mitigate the effects of climate change.
History
Historically, Nigeria has seen fluctuations in its low-carbon electricity output, largely driven by changes in hydropower production. In the 1980s, hydropower levels experienced modest increases, while the early 1990s saw stable growth, including a notable increase of 1.5 TWh in 1991. However, inconsistent changes characterized the 2000s, with both rises and declines, such as a significant decrease of 1.5 TWh in 2006 and another shortfall in 2009. The early 2010s commenced with a healthy boost, including an increase of 1.8 TWh in 2010, maintaining some momentum with continual small gains in 2015 and 2016. More recently, 2022 saw an addition of 1.3 TWh, though these gains have often been followed by setbacks, highlighting the need for a robust and diversified low-carbon strategy to stabilize and enhance clean electricity production in Nigeria.