In Nigeria, electricity consumption in 2025 highlights a clear reliance on fossil fuels, with around 70% of the electricity generation coming from gas-fired sources, amounting to roughly 24 TWh. On the other hand, clean energy sources, consisting entirely of hydropower, contribute about 11 TWh, making up close to a third of the total. This heavy tilt towards fossil fuel use is concerning, especially in comparison to the global average electricity consumption of 3412 kWh per person, where Nigeria lags significantly at only 150 kWh per person. Such low levels of electricity generation can have severe implications for economic growth, access to education and healthcare, and the quality of life, as they limit the potential for broader societal advancements and increased productivity.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Nigeria?
Reflecting on electricity growth in Nigeria shows a rather concerning trend. The current consumption per capita of 150 kWh represents a decrease from 2023's 187 kWh per person, indicating a drop of almost 20%. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per capita has decreased to 48 kWh from a previous high of 62 kWh in 2002. These reductions in electricity availability are troubling for the nation's development goals, especially when juxtaposed against the global push for increased electrification and clean energy transitions to combat climate change. It underscores an urgent need to reassess energy policies and investment strategies if Nigeria is to meet its rising demand for power and ensure sustainable growth.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation, Nigeria can learn from regions excelling in solar and nuclear energy. China and the United States, leading global powerhouses in clean energy, provide robust examples: China generates over 1600 TWh from solar and wind combined, illustrating vast solar potential, while the U.S. produces approximately 784 TWh from nuclear power. Emulating such success involves scaling up solar installations and investing in nuclear infrastructure to ensure reliable and sustainable energy supplies. Countries like India and Brazil can also serve as references, demonstrating substantial progress in both solar and wind energy. By strategically adopting and adapting these technologies, Nigeria stands to significantly enhance its clean electricity output, reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, and align more closely with global energy standards.
History
Looking back at Nigeria's low-carbon energy history, hydropower has remained a constant but fluctuating source. In the 1980s and 1990s, Nigeria saw moderate increases in hydropower generation, interspersed with occasional declines. The 2000s began with marginal growth, but the 2010s revealed a mixture of progress and setbacks, with notable rises in 2016 and 2019 countered by declines in other years. The latest upturn in 2025, with an increase of 2.3 TWh, is promising but not sufficient on its own. This historical roller-coaster of fluctuating hydropower output underscores the necessity for Nigeria to diversify its portfolio by incorporating more balanced, reliable sources like solar and nuclear power. Given these dynamics, there's a clear path forward for Nigeria to enhance its low-carbon electricity production by integrating these stable and sustainable energy options, optimizing grid infrastructure, and fostering supportive policy environments for clean energy investment.
