Balancing climate change mitigation and energy transition for sustainable economic growth in Nigeria: A literature review

Climate change poses significant threats to Nigeria’s economic growth, energy security, and environmental sustainability. At the same time, the country faces the challenge of transitioning from fossil fuel dependency to renewable energy to meet global climate commitments. This study provides a systematic literature review examining the interconnections between climate change mitigation, energy transition, and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. The review draws on peer-reviewed articles, government reports, and international publications published between 2000 and 2024. Key findings indicate that climate change has an adverse impact on agriculture, energy production, public health, and infrastructure, imposing both direct and indirect economic costs. Conversely, Nigeria’s abundant renewable energy resources solar, wind, biomass, and hydropower present significant opportunities for expanding energy access, driving industrial growth, creating green jobs, and reducing emissions. However, challenges such as policy inconsistency, financing gaps, technological constraints, institutional weaknesses, and social resistance impede a balanced transition. The study concludes that achieving sustainable economic growth alongside climate change mitigation requires coherent policies, robust institutional frameworks, financial innovation, technological capacity building, and inclusive social engagement. Policy recommendations emphasise harmonising energy and climate strategies, promoting renewable energy investments, and fostering a just transition to ensure environmental sustainability and long-term economic resilience.