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Paper short abstract:

Nigeria faces a polycrisis of energy poverty, economic growth, and climate crisis mitigation. Over 41% lack electricity, and only 16% use clean cooking fuels. Current just transition efforts are misaligned with local realities. Inclusive strategies are vital to addressing Just Transition in Nigeria.

Paper long abstract:

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country with over 200 million people, grapples with a “polycrisis” of energy poverty, economic development, and climate crisis mitigation. Over 41% of Nigerians lack electricity, while only about 16% have access to clean fuel for cooking, leading to severe health and environmental challenges. As economic ambitions and population growth drive energy demands, Nigeria faces mounting pressure to transition to a low-carbon economy, aligning with global climate targets while addressing the worsening impacts of climate change, including desertification and flooding. This research critically examines how Nigeria navigates the conflicting challenges of energy poverty, development, and climate crisis mitigation through a desk review of policies and initiatives. Findings reveal that the country’s Just Transition efforts have largely failed to address these interconnected issues adequately. Renewable energy programs and climate action plans remain fragmented, underfunded, and heavily influenced by global narratives, often neglecting Nigeria’s unique socio-economic realities, such as high poverty rates, reliance on fossil fuel revenues, and regional disparities in energy access. Energy transition projects are often misaligned with local needs, prioritizing urban areas over rural communities and focusing on scaling technologies without addressing affordability, community engagement, or institutional capacity. The study concludes that a just transition in Nigeria requires a shift toward localized, inclusive strategies that address energy poverty, drive economic growth, and sustainably mitigate climate risks. Without this shift, Nigeria risks perpetuating inequality and worsening socio-economic vulnerabilities.