Electricity demand in Nigeria 2000-2023

As of 2023, the electricity demand in Nigeria amounted to over 40 terawatt hours. This followed an upward trend observed since 2020. Furthermore, the demand increased annually between 2010 and 2018. The fast-growing population of the country can explain the increase. Nevertheless, in 2022, a little more than 60 percent of the Nigerian inhabitants were still without electricity.

Gas the most common source of electricity generation

Concerning electricity generation, gas was the most common source of electricity production in Nigeria in 2023. Approximately 79 percent of the electricity generated derived from natural gas, whereas hydroelectric energy powered around 20 percent. Moreover, coal was still present in the electricity mix at just under one percent. Looking at the renewable energy share in electricity capacity, it had a declining trend from 2012 onward. Back then, 23.4 percent were from renewable energy sources. By 2023, this had increased to nearly 21 percent. 

Annual increase in electric power consumption

Based on Statista’s forecast, the household and industriy average electric power consumption per capita will increase annually. In 2024, each Nigerian citizen will consume approximately 164.6 kilowatt hours (kWh), rising to 166.3 kilowatt hours by 2025.