Energy transition and Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria: University Don Sunday Oladeji Delivers Democrat News Magazine Roll of Honours Lecture
Energy transition and Environmental Sustainability in Nigeria
a lecture delivered
by
Prof. Sunday Oladipo Oladeji
Department of Ecotourism and Wildlife Management, FUTA
At the organised Public lecture by Democrat News Magazine
On the 30th Nov., 2025
INTRODUCTION
The increasing demand for a reliable source of energy to meet the domestic needs of individuals and families, generate power for manufacturing and sustaining metabolic activities have called for a serious attention among relevant stakeholders. There is no gain saying that demand for energy will be on increase to the time immemorial considering the growing population across the World. According to the United Nation report (2024), the global population has grown from 1 billion in 1800 to 8.2 billion in 2025. It was reported that the world’s population is projected to continue growing for the next 50 to 60 years peaking approximately 10.3 billion by the mid-2080 (UN, 2024). Simultaneously, global energy demand rose by 2.2% last year – lower than GDP growth of 3.2% but considerably faster than the average annual demand increase of 1.3% between 2013 and 2023 (IEA, 2025 ). Incidentally, emerging and developing economies like Nigeria accounted for over 80% of the increase in global energy demand in 2024.
International Energy Agencies , 2025 : The global Energy Review
Climate change and the global energy tradeoff
The anomaly in climate variability as manifested in the form of heat waves, flooding, erratic rainfall patterns is an environmental phenomenon that is being regarded as climate change. IPCC, 2007 has projected that as the planet warms, climate and weather variability will be on increase. There is tendency that changes in the frequency and severity of extreme climate events and in the variability of weather patterns will have significant consequences on human and natural ecosystems. IPCC, 2012 affirmed that with the increasing frequencies of heat stress, drought and flooding events as projected for the rest of this century, there are tendencies of diverse effects over and above the impacts due to changes in mean variables alone. These anomalies are manifested in the form of heat waves, erratic rainfall patterns, flooding and so on. This has largely accelerating global energy consumption especially in the power sector with electricity demand surging by nearly 1,100 terawatt-hours or 4.3%. The increasing global temperature has boosted demand for cooling, air conditioning, refrigerating in many countries (IEA report, 2025). For instance, intense heat waves in China and India has led to an increasing cooling needs thereby contributing to more than 90% of the total annual increase in coal consumption globally, highlighting the major impacts of climate change-extreme weather on energy demand.
Climate variability already has substantial impacts on biological systems and on the smallholders, communities and countries which depend on them. This has led to distribution of electricity in Bands (Band A, Band B) in Nigeria. The electrification of transport and telecommunications system; growth of data centers and artificial intelligence have equally led to an increasing energy demand. Energy consumption and production contribute to two-thirds of global emissions, with 81 of the global energy system still based on fossil fuels, the same percentage as 30 years ago.
Energy discourse in perspective
There are various form of energy that can be categorized depending on the origin (natural or artificial), the state of the energy (Kinetic or potential), emission source (low or high), and reactions (chemical or nuclear) and so on. Energy comes in various forms—from sonic and gravitational to nuclear and thermal. However, emphasis will be placed on renewable and non-renewable energy in this write up as focus of the discussion.
Mechanical Energy: Mechanical energy is energy that results from either the movement or location of an object. Mechanical energy is the sum of kinetic energy and potential energy; Thermal Energy: Thermal energy or heat energy reflects the temperature difference between two systems, Nuclear Energy: Nuclear energy is energy resulting from nuclear reactions or changes in the atomic nuclei; Chemical Energy : Chemical energy results from chemical reactions between atoms or molecules; Electromagnetic Energy: Electromagnetic energy (or radiant energy) is energy from light or electromagnetic waves; Sonic Energy : Sonic energy is the energy of sound waves. Sound waves travel through mediums, such as the air or water, carrying sonic energy with them; Gravitational Energy: Energy associated with gravity involves the attraction between two objects based on their mass. It can serve as a basis for mechanical energy, such as the potential energy of an object placed on a shelf or the kinetic energy of the Moon in orbit around the Earth; Kinetic Energy : Kinetic energy is the energy of a body’s motion. It ranges from 0 to a positive value; Potential Energy : Potential energy is the energy of an object’s position; Ionization Energy: Ionization energy is the form of energy that binds electrons to the nucleus of an atom, ion, or molecule.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is a form of energy that is inexhaustible. This form of energy takes it source from replenishable sources such as the Sun (Solar energy), wind (wind power) water or river/stream /ocean (hydropower), hot springs (geothermal), tides (tidal power) and biomas (biofuels). As much of this energy is used there is room for replenishment
Renewable energy sources accounted for nearly 20 percent of global energy consumption at the beginning of the 21st century, largely from traditional uses of biomass such as wood for heating and cooking By 2015 about 16 percent of the world’s total electricity came from large hydroelectric power plants, whereas other types of renewable energy (such as solar, wind, and geothermal) accounted for 6 percent of total electricity generation. Some energy analysts consider nuclear power to be a form of renewable energy because of its low carbon emissions; nuclear power generated 10.6 percent of the world’s electricity in 2015 (Britanical, 2025).
Non-Renewable energy:
Unlike renewable energy, Non-Renewable energy can be easily depleted and they are not sustainable. This is simply because this form of energy originated from fossil that cannot be regenerated e.g petrol, coal.
In 2022, crude oil accounted for 32. 9% of global non-renewable energy production, while hard coal was estimated to account for 79. 87% of total non-renewable energy resources.
About 85 percent of our energy comes from nonrenewable fossil fuels, such as oil, natural gas, and coal. World energy production amounted to 617 EJ in 2019, a 2 increase from 2018, driven mainly by natural gas and coal.
Four factors makes the production of non-renewable energy difficult. These factors include high temperature, pressure, anaerobic or absence of oxygen and the long duration.
For instance production of fossil fuel takes millions of years, under a high temperature, pressure and in the absence of oxygen.
Intricate link between energy demand and economic growth
The IEA report estimated that roughly 23 of world electricity generation came from renewable sources in 2015, with 71 of which came from hydropower. However, the world consumed 1. 5 more fossil fuels in 2021 than in 2022, with coal, oil, and natural gas comprising 82 of the total.
The demand for major fuels and energy technologies is increasing with the renewable energy accounting for the largest share of the growth followed by natural gas (non-renewable) with solar and wind power generation setting new records (IEA, 2025). Natural gas saw the strongest increase in demand among fossil fuels in 2024 as it rose by 115 billion cubic meters (bcm), or 2.7% compared with an average of around 75bcm annually over the past decade (IEA report, 2024) .However, petroleum oil demand grew more slowly with oil demand fell below 30% for the first time ever, 50 years after it peaked at 46%. Sales of electric cars rose by over 25% last year, with electric models accounting for one in five cars sold globally. Globally, coal demand has pushed consumption to an increase with 1% rise in 2024. According to the IPCC, nearly 75% of global co2 emissions come from fossil fuel. It has been observed that majority of co2 emission growth in 2024 came from emerging and developing economies like Nigeria that rely solely on fossil fuel as the major source of electricity. Although, co2 emission from China as a result of consumption of coal are now 16% above those of advanced economies and nearly twice the global average. Nigeria stands to benefit significantly from shifting towards domestic RE sources instead of relying on fossil fuels. In compliant with the Paris agreement, the global fossil fuel employment could decline by 80% in a 2 °C scenario, while job opportunities in RE could increase by fivefold (Energy-Utilities, 2023)
ENERGY SUPPLY IN NIGERIA
Nigeria’s primary energy supply is significantly renewable, with renewables accounting for about 47% of the total energy mix. Biomass is the dominant source, contributing 43% to the energy mix (Fig. 1). This is largely due to its widespread use for cooking and heating. The majority of cooking relies on traditional biomass (firewood), suggesting that transitioning to other technologies could greatly enhance air quality and prevent numerous deaths caused by air pollution. Hydro power, Natural gas, coal, and other renewables constitute the remainder of the energy supply and are primarily used in the power sector. The low adoption rate of wind and solar renewables indicates the potential for integrating these sources into the power sector, given their significant cost reductions in recent years. In contrast to many other countries, Nigeria’s coal use is comparatively low. Currently, there is no notable coal power generation in the country, with local usage mainly occurring in the bakery industries, brick, cement and foundry.
ENRGY DEMAND
Residential sector uses energy for various purposes, including lighting, cooking, air conditioners, refrigerators, heating water, and the operation of other electrical appliances. The primary energy sources used in this sector are traditional biomass (such as fire-wood, plant residues, and animal excreta), kerosene, electricity, and liquefied petroleum gas. Energy demand in the transportation sector encompasses various modes of transport, including motorcycles, private cars, taxis, buses, boats, airplanes, and train. The main energy-consuming subsectors within the industrial sector include cement, fertilizer, steel, and paper production. Additionally, small-scale industries like beverages, foundries, ceramics, and leather also contribute to the sector’s energy consumption. Various institutional and industrial establishments, such as hotels, banks, shopping malls, restaurants, and public departments, make up the commercial sector, providing basic utilities. Majority of energy use in this sector is tied to services such as cooking, lighting, and cooling while energy demand in Agriculture is primarily for irrigation, kerosene, and traction (IRENA, 2023; Nkalo , 2025; Global wind atlas, 2025)
Investment in potential Energy Sources in Nigeria
Non-renewable Energy (LPG and CNG )
LPG
The value of the LPG project is estimated to be about one hundred and seventy million naira (N170,000,000.00) while the economic benefits derivable include from sales of the LPG and it will equally promote business related services on a daily basis. This will enhance the economy of the workers and investors. There will be huge economic benefits to both the residence of the host community in the form of employment. LPG Gas service station will be basically for the storage and sales of liquefied petroleum gas and as such provide easy access to clean energy for domestic and industrial purposes. It will lead to increment in creation of many other related businesses and employment opportunities through direct and indirect involvement of consultants, contractors, suppliers and other professionals at different stages of the project. It will certainly help in promoting government ‘clean energy’ initiative, and help to discourage some human activities leading to increased deforestation and (home) air pollution. Smart LPG cook stoves that is releases co2 moderately and save money expended on kerosene , charcoal or firewood. Apart from transiting to LPG which is a non-renewable energy source that is growing next to other forms of renewable energy, the various forms of renewable energy will be itemized. To obtain a license for constructing a LPG station from the Nigerian Upstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NDPRA), which was previously the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), you need to follow a specific procedure and fulfill certain conditions. This includes submitting an application with detailed plans and designs, undergoing inspections, and ensuring the site meets all regulatory standards. LPG expansion will reduce the rate of deforestation and risk to the health as a result of exposure to greenhouse gases. Investment in LPG will offer opportunity for meeting energy needs of 13 million households by 2030. This will also offer employment opportunities to the youth and women empowerment.
The required facilities include
Perimeter walling on all the sides of the station;
1 unit of a cryogenic storage tank of 20 tones capacity for LPG (Plate 1)
isolated filling pumps
Borehole;
On-site service building
Generator house
Lube House,
Fire Hydrants,
Muster point, 5,000 liters overhead water storage tank.
Other facilities include sanitary facilities and associated piping network.
The storage vessel and accessories designed in compliance with NMDPRA requirements.
Compressed Natural Gas fired power generation
CNG is the cleanest and quietest burning fossil fuel, emitting significantly less carbon and nitrogen emissions than other burning fossil fuel. CNG is domestically produced, will ultimately reduce import bill. CNG fuel storage tanks are stronger and safer than gasoline or diesel tanks, decreasing the likelihood of leakages. It will equally offer the following benefits
Increase power generation in Nigeria that will in turn provide additional power to the people .
Enhance the drive towards the diversification of electricity generation .
Increase economic output as a result of increased power reliability.
Provision of jobs to locals
Improve health and educational service deliveries in Nigeria .
Enhance security status and aesthetics
Renewable Energy source
A. Solar Energy
Solar energy is particularly favorable due to the country’s high levels of solar radiation, averaging about 5.5 kWh/m²/day solar. This makes solar energy a viable option for both on-grid and off-grid applications, especially in remote communities with limited access to electricity .Businesses and homes can utilize solar photovoltaic arrays and hybrid systems as their sources of energy. The expansion of both grid-connected and off-grid solar PV systems can significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Economic impact: The adoption of solar energy has created career prospects in the installation, repairs, and manufacturing sectors. It is estimated that the solar industry has generated over 10,000 jobs in Nigeria with a potential of about 210 gigawatts (GW) for solar PV energy (International Renewable Energy
Agency (IRENA, 2023).
B. Improved cook stove
Findings from the literature revealed that The Sustainable Energy for All (SEforALL) initiative in collaboration with the Nigerian government it targeting of replacing 80% of traditional firewood usage for cooking with improved cook stoves by 2030 (Nkalo, 2025)
C. Hydropower: It still remains a significant RE source in Nigeria, with several large hydropower plants in operation. The large hydro potential in Nigeria is estimated to be around 24 GW with 3.5 GW as the small hydro potential. This can further reduce the need for fossil based power generation. Nigeria is endowed with various water bodies including large rivers and natural falls with river basins located around the country. Findings revealed that the hydrological systems can generate total of 70 micro dams, 126 mini dams and 86 small dams hydropower sites. Nigeria’s total installed hydropower capacity is approximately 2100 MW, with large hydropower plants contributing the majority (Statista, 2023). There is potential for an additional 3500 MW from small and mini-hydropower projects. These projects are particularly suitable for rural electrification (Kela et al., 2012)
D. Wind power: The wind energy potential in Nigeria, especially in the northern regions, presents an opportunity for diversification of the energy mix. Wind energy potential and wind speed in Nigeria vary from approximately 2 m/s in the coastal region and 4 m/s in the far northern region. Thus, the use of wind for electricity generation is relatively new due to rapid groth in technology. However, the growth of wind energy faces several challenges including technical know how
E. Biomass Energy. Biomass energy has considerable potential in Nigeria, particularly for the generation of electricity, heating, and cooking. Using agricultural waste and other organic materials for biomass energy can contribute to sustainable development goals. However, various challenges must be addressed to fully harness the potential of biomass energy including efficient management of biomass resources, Technology and innovation and strengthening regulatory frameworks and providing incentives for solar energy schemes
Conclusion
Energy is an ability to perform work or discharge duty or accompanied a task. It is a very germane and essential component of human existence. Literally, lack or absence of energy is tantamount to inability to eat, walk, move and son on. This explains the reason for the growing demand in energy for cooking, lighting manufacturing and so on. As essential as energy could be, there is need for thoughtfulness on the usage in view of the lingering environmental catastrophes that is presently bedeviling the world. The increasing release of greenhouse gases especially carbon dioxide that is associated with the use of non-renewable form of energy (fossil fuel like coal, petroleum products) is a serious concern as raised at just concluded COP-30. It is on this note that this lecture is prepared to increase the understanding on the potentials in transition from non-renewable emery to renewable energy. However, in view of the growing economic diversification in Liqufied Natural Gas and Compressed Natural Gas in Nigeria (which is next to renewable energy source in the World), this lecture provides a glimpse of opportunities in investing in LPG and CNP. It is equally necessary to understand that investment in any of the identified energy sources as postulated in this write up is accompanied with various challenges which are not discuss in depth in this write up. However, there is no challenge that is insurmountable in as much there is here withal. Let us brace up to harness these inherent economic, social, ecological and environmental opportunities. Thank you for listening and for given the opportunities to share my views on these thought provoking issues
REFRENCE
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International Renewable Energy Agency in Nigeria (IRENA) 2023: Renewable Energy, Road map
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United Nations, 2024. World Development Prospects, 2024.