- Only 51% of Nigerian households have electricity access.
- Experts urge more substantial investments in clean, inclusive energy.
The 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) has revealed that only 51 per cent of Nigerian homes have electricity. The findings highlight the deep energy access gap, which is slowing national growth despite ongoing reforms.
The key phrase “electricity access in Nigeria” sits at the heart of the report’s message. The survey led by the National Population Commission (NPC) with support from UNICEF, USAID, UNFPA, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation shows that barely half of Nigerian households enjoy a steady power supply.
Although 98 per cent of households use clean fuels or lighting technologies such as solar lamps, rechargeable flashlights, and biogas, the picture changes for cooking and heating. Only 22 per cent of homes cook with clean fuels like Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), natural gas, or solar energy. Most families still rely on firewood, charcoal, and kerosene, which endanger health and the environment.
The report also highlights sharp urban–rural differences in electricity access in Nigeria. While 42 per cent of urban households use clean cooking fuels, just five per cent of rural homes do so. For heating, 16 per cent of urban households use clean energy, compared to only four per cent in rural areas. These gaps expose deep inequalities in affordability and infrastructure.
Experts note that only 22 per cent of Nigerian households use clean energy across lighting, cooking, and heating combined. They warn that low adoption threatens Nigeria’s energy transition goals and climate commitments.
Analysts blame high LPG costs, unstable electricity tariffs, weak rural electrification, and low awareness of cleaner technologies. They stress that achieving universal access will require investments in off-grid renewable energy, subsidy reforms, and targeted rural initiatives.
The NDHS report concludes that improving electricity access in Nigeria is vital for inclusive growth, public health, and sustainability. The nation can expand clean energy access and secure a more resilient future with stronger collaboration among the government, private investors, and global partners.