Energy Consumption and Standard of Living in Nigeria

• Author(s): Umeh Ogonna; Prof. Olulu Robinson; Dr. Itoro Bosco
• Paper ID: 1719586
• Page: 876-887
• Published Date: 08-07-2026
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 10 Issue 1 July-2026

Abstract

This study determined the effect of energy consumption on standard of living, measured by per capita income, in Nigeria from 1990 to 2023. Energy consumption was proxied by electricity consumption, natural gas consumption, solar energy consumption, and hydropower energy. The study made use of time series data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin, World Development Indicators of the World Bank, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Africa Energy Portal (AEP), and International Energy Agency (IEA). The main data analysis techniques adopted include Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test, correlation matrix, bounds cointegration test, and the Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) approach. The major findings showed that electricity consumption, natural gas consumption, and solar energy consumption have positive and significant effects on per capita income in Nigeria, while hydropower energy has a positive and non-significant effect on per capita income. Premised on the findings, the study concluded that energy consumption plays a significant vital role in enhancing the standard of living of Nigerians as measured by per capita income. It was recommended among others that the Nigerian government should invest heavily in both the national electricity grid and off-grid energy solutions (such as solar mini-grids and home systems), particularly in underserved rural and peri-urban areas, to increase economic activity and raise per capita income.

Keywords

Energy Consumption, Standard of Living, Per Capita Income, Electricity Consumption, Natural Gas Consumption, Solar Energy Consumption, Hydropower Energy, Nigeria

Citations

IRE Journals:
Umeh Ogonna, Prof. Olulu Robinson, Dr. Itoro Bosco "Energy Consumption and Standard of Living in Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 10 Issue 1 2026 Page 876-887

IEEE:
Umeh Ogonna, Prof. Olulu Robinson, Dr. Itoro Bosco "Energy Consumption and Standard of Living in Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 10, no. 1, Jul. 2026

APA:
Umeh Ogonna, Prof. Olulu Robinson, Dr. Itoro Bosco (2026). Energy Consumption and Standard of Living in Nigeria. Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 10(1).

MLA:
Umeh Ogonna, Prof. Olulu Robinson, Dr. Itoro Bosco "Energy Consumption and Standard of Living in Nigeria" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, vol. 10, no. 1, Jul. 2026.

BibTeX

@article{1719586,
author = {Umeh Ogonna, Prof. Olulu Robinson, Dr. Itoro Bosco},
title = {Energy Consumption and Standard of Living in Nigeria},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {10},
number = {1},
pages = {876-887},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1719586.pdf},
abstract = {This study determined the effect of energy consumption on standard of living, measured by per capita income, in Nigeria from 1990 to 2023. Energy consumption was proxied by electricity consumption, natural gas consumption, solar energy consumption, and hydropower energy. The study made use of time series data sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Statistical Bulletin, World Development Indicators of the World Bank, National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Africa Energy Portal (AEP), and International Energy Agency (IEA). The main data analysis techniques adopted include Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) unit root test, correlation matrix, bounds cointegration test, and the Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) approach. The major findings showed that electricity consumption, natural gas consumption, and solar energy consumption have positive and significant effects on per capita income in Nigeria, while hydropower energy has a positive and non-significant effect on per capita income. Premised on the findings, the study concluded that energy consumption plays a significant vital role in enhancing the standard of living of Nigerians as measured by per capita income. It was recommended among others that the Nigerian government should invest heavily in both the national electricity grid and off-grid energy solutions (such as solar mini-grids and home systems), particularly in underserved rural and peri-urban areas, to increase economic activity and raise per capita income.},
keywords = {Energy Consumption, Standard of Living, Per Capita Income, Electricity Consumption, Natural Gas Consumption, Solar Energy Consumption, Hydropower Energy, Nigeria},
month = {July}
}