Green Growth and the Nigerian Economy: Can Renewable Energy Drive Sustainable Development?
~~~ Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel Co-Founder & Lead Consultant, Global Human Capital & Energy Management Limited
In an era where nations are racing toward decarbonization and sustainability, one question reverberates loudly in policy corridors, economic forums, and community town halls across Africa: Can Nigeria achieve green growth without sacrificing economic vitality?
More precisely, can renewable energy drive sustainable development in a nation historically powered by fossil fuel revenue?
The answer is complex—but not impossible.
The Paradox of Power in Nigeria
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and one of its largest economies, continues to struggle with power access and energy security. According to the World Bank, over 85 million Nigerians—about 43% of the population—lack access to electricity, making it the largest energy access deficit in the world. This shortfall cripples productivity, discourages foreign investment, and impairs the quality of life, especially in rural communities.
Yet, Nigeria is abundantly blessed with renewable energy resources: solar radiation averaging 5.5 kWh/m²/day, wind speeds between 2.5–4.5 m/s, vast biomass potential, and large untapped hydro capacity. If these resources were fully harnessed, they could serve as a catalyst for what development experts now call green growth—a model of economic development that is environmentally sustainable, socially inclusive, and economically viable.
So the real question becomes: What’s holding us back?
Understanding Green Growth: More Than an Environmental Ideal
Green growth isn’t just about solar panels and wind turbines—it’s about reimagining development to decouple economic prosperity from environmental degradation. It’s a model that promotes inclusive growth, low-carbon technologies, resource efficiency, and resilience against climate risks.
For Nigeria, this is not a luxury. It’s a necessity.
The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) warns that without a shift to green energy systems, Sub-Saharan Africa could lose up to 15% of GDP annually due to climate-related disruptions. From desertification in the north to coastal erosion and flooding in the south, climate change is no longer an academic theory—it is Nigeria’s economic and human development reality.
Can Renewable Energy Deliver?
Yes—if we do the right things, now.
But renewable energy in Nigeria is not yet mainstream. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), renewables contribute less than 13% of Nigeria’s energy mix—mostly from large hydro. Solar, wind, and bioenergy remain underutilized due to policy inconsistency, financing bottlenecks, poor infrastructure, and limited technical capacity.
So what must be done?
• Policy Coherence & Implementation: Nigeria has several laudable policies—the Renewable Energy Master Plan, the Energy Transition Plan, and the recently launched Nigeria Carbon Market Activation Plan. Yet, execution remains the Achilles’ heel. Policies must be harmonized, financed, and tracked with robust accountability mechanisms.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Renewable energy is capital-intensive, and public finance alone cannot fund the transition. Nigeria needs strategic PPPs, performance-based subsidies, and risk guarantees to attract private capital—especially into off-grid and mini-grid solar solutions.
• Local Content Development: Can we build a local renewable energy industry without transferring knowledge and skills? Absolutely not. Investing in local fabrication, vocational training, and research institutions is crucial to avoid merely “importing sustainability.”
• Youth Inclusion & Innovation: With over 60% of Nigeria’s population under 30, the youth must be engaged not only as consumers but as creators, technicians, innovators, and green entrepreneurs. Why import solutions when Nigerian youth can build homegrown clean-tech startups?
As Nelson Mandela aptly put it, “It always seems impossible until it is done.”
The Economic Argument for Renewable Energy
Investing in renewable energy is not just good for the planet—it makes economic sense.
A 2023 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA) reveals that every \$1 invested in clean energy in Africa yields \$3–\$8 in returns, through improved productivity, reduced fuel costs, job creation, and health savings.
In Nigeria, the solar mini-grid sector alone has the potential to generate over 52,000 jobs by 2030. Meanwhile, the World Bank’s Nigeria Electrification Project has shown that private sector-driven, decentralized solar systems can provide reliable and affordable power to underserved communities faster than grid expansion.
Rhetorical Pause: Are We Too Late?
Is Nigeria too late to the green revolution?
No. In fact, we are exactly on time—if we act now. Countries like Morocco, Kenya, and South Africa have already shown that a decisive push towards renewables can spark an industrial renaissance, rural transformation, and international climate credibility.
Should Nigeria be waiting for perfect conditions? No. Waiting for perfection is the death of progress. Imperfect but consistent action today is better than grand promises tomorrow.
The Path Forward: What Nigerians Must Do
Green growth is not the work of government alone. Every citizen, institution, and community has a role to play. We must:
Embrace energy responsibility: Switch to solar at home, reduce energy waste, support green businesses.
Demand transparency and climate accountability from leaders.
Promote eco-literacy and sustainability education in schools and communities.
Encourage faith-based climate activism that aligns environmental stewardship with divine responsibility.
Final Thoughts
As a Governance Analyst, Development Economist, and Climate Action Enthusiast, I believe Nigeria stands at a defining threshold. We can either cling to the past, powered by oil and gas, or embrace the future, driven by sun, wind, and sustainable innovation.
The road will be difficult. The politics will be complex. But the opportunity is real—and the cost of inaction, far greater.
As Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam once said, “You have to dream before your dreams can come true.” Nigeria has dreamed long enough. Now is the time to act—strategically, inclusively, and sustainably.
Because green growth is not just a development option for Nigeria. It is a development imperative.
Dr. Aiyeku Olufemi Samuel
Governance Analyst | Development Economist | Policy Consultant
Climate Action Enthusiast | Strategic Development Advocate
Co-Founder & Lead Consultant,
Global Human Capital & Energy Management Limited
[aiyekuolufemi@gmail.com](mailto:aiyekuolufemi@gmail.com) | 0802 545 1262
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