Electricity in Nigeria in 2023
Global Ranking:
#162
24.4% #117 Low-carbon electricity
18.10
watts #189 Generation / person
In Nigeria, as of 2023, the overall electricity consumption is majorly driven by fossil fuels, specifically gas, with an output of 25.57 terawatt-hours (TWh). Low-carbon energy generation, represented entirely by hydropower, contributes 8.27 TWh. Thus, it is apparent that fossil fuel energy significantly outpaces low-carbon energy generation, thereby demanding immediate attention for a sustainable future. Compared to the global average electricity consumption of 410 watts per person, Nigeria’s level is considerably low, which could be indicative of substandard living conditions, limited economic growth and hindered technological advancements.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon energy generation, Nigeria could take lessons from countries that have excelled in this sector. A country of focus should be Brazil, given its tropical climate similar to Nigeria, which successfully harnesses wind energy to produce 94 TWh. With Nigeria's vast lands and coastal areas, wind energy could be a feasible and significant low-carbon source. Learning from China's achievements in both wind and solar power, which amounts to 964 TWh and 523 TWh respectively, could also guide towards variance in low-carbon energy strategies. Implementing and adapting the technologies used by these successful countries could trigger an upsurge in Nigeria's low-carbon electricity production.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Nigeria has been predominantly reliant on hydro-energy since the early 80s. Hydropower generation fluctuated in this period from modest decreases like a dip of 0.5 TWh in 1983 to increases reaching to 2.4 TWh in 2016. However, the last two decades, specifically the 2008-2020 period, witnessed more frequent downturns, despite occasional increases. The most recent data in 2023 shows a dip of 0.5 TWh, matching the change observed in 1983. While Nigeria's attempts in hydro-electricity generation continue to witness substantial oscillations, this underscores the need to diversify its low-carbon generation strategies to reduce reliance on a single source.
Electricity Imports and Exports
Balance of Trade
Data Sources