ASSESSMENT OF THE UTILISATION OF SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study evaluates renewable energy adoption across Ogun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta states using a mixed-methods approach. A bibliometric analysis of 424 research publications (2014–2024) revealed that solar energy was the most studied topic (35%), followed by hydropower (25%) and bioenergy (20%). The analysis identified a 32% increase in renewable energy publications since 2019, with 62% of highly cited papers focusing on policy and deployment strategies. Citation mapping indicated that the top 10 research institutions contributed 47% of all renewable energy studies, highlighting the concentration of expertise in specific regions. Survey data from 387 respondents indicated that 68% lacked reliable electricity access, while 78% relied on traditional biomass or fossil fuels. Among respondents, 62% expressed willingness to adopt solar energy if installation costs were reduced by at least 40%. However, only 23% were aware of existing renewable energy policies, and 54% rated government efforts as inadequate. In terms of energy satisfaction, only 9% of respondents rated their current energy sources as highly adequate, while 36% described them as moderate, and 21% rated them as low. The study further analysed energy availability across Nigerian states. Lagos, Ogun, Edo, and Delta states experience an average of 12–18 hours of electricity outages per day, forcing 74% of households to rely on generators as backup power sources despite Nigeria’s solar radiation potential of 3.5–7.0 kWh/m². Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 and 13 was assessed, revealing that only 19% of publications explicitly addressed energy access and climate change mitigation, while survey results showed that 69% of respondents were unaware of Nigeria’s commitment to SDGs. Projections based on current adoption rates estimate that, if key policy recommendations, energy access in Southern Nigeria could rise from 32% to over 70% by 2035 and fossil fuel dependency could decline by 55%. This research shows that achieving an efficient renewable energy transition requires urgent policy interventions, enhanced financial incentives, and strengthened institutional frameworks.