As of 2024, Nigeria's electricity consumption demonstrates a heavy reliance on fossil fuels, with both fossil energy and gas contributing more than half of the total electricity generation, amounting to about 31 TWh each. Meanwhile, low-carbon sources like hydropower barely produce 9 TWh, accounting for almost a fifth of the nation's total electricity generation. When we consider the global average electricity consumption of 3658 kWh per person, Nigeria's figure of 173 kWh per person highlights a significant gap. Such low levels of electricity generation are concerning, as they hinder economic growth and development opportunities while delaying improvements in living standards and access to technology.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Nigeria?
Unfortunately, the trend in Nigerian electricity consumption is not promising, as it has decreased from a previous record high of 187 kWh per person in 2023 to 173 kWh per person in 2024. This decline of 14 kWh is disheartening, especially as the low-carbon electricity generation has fallen dramatically from its peak of 62 kWh per person in 2002 to only 40 kWh in 2024, reflecting a concerning drop of 22 kWh. Such trends suggest a stagnant or regressive sector that requires urgent strategies to stimulate growth, particularly in clean energy sources, to meet the rising demand and foster sustainable development.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Nigeria can emulate regions that have successfully expanded their clean energy sectors, especially in solar, wind, and nuclear. Countries like India and China have effectively scaled their solar and wind capacity, generating significant amounts of electricity from these sources, with India reaching 162 TWh in solar and 116 TWh in wind. These examples emphasize the potential of solar energy in sunny regions like Nigeria. Moreover, the strategic development of nuclear power, as exemplified by the United States and France, can offer substantial and reliable energy output. Nigeria could benefit greatly by investing in these technologies to achieve cleaner, more sustainable electricity generation.
History
Historically, Nigeria's journey with low-carbon electricity, particularly hydropower, has seen fluctuations. In the early 1980s, there were modest gains followed by a more substantial increase in the early 1990s, peaking with a 1.5 TWh boost in 1991. However, the 2000s were marked by inconsistencies, with both gains and setbacks. The 2010s saw similar fluctuations, but there was a notable upswing in 2016 with a 2.4 TWh increase. Unfortunately, the subsequent years have shown occasional declines, with a recent decrease in 2024. This erratic pattern underscores the need for a more stable and diversified approach to green electricity generation, focusing on expanding clean and sustainable options like solar and nuclear energy, to secure Nigeria’s energy future.
