Printed in Nigeria THE ROLE OF ENERGY MIX IN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA

No single energy resource can sustainably meet the energy demands of any country. Integrating all exploitable energy sources is a viable way of achieving stability in energy supply for Nigeria. Hence, the paper focuses on the role of energy mix in sustainable development of Nigeria. Secondary data was analyzed using linear regression (Ordinary Least Square) estimation procedure to measure the impact of existing energy mix (crude oil, coal and electricity) on sustainable development of Nigeria. Granger causality test was also used to ascertain whether growth in per capita energy consumption influenced growth in per capita carbon emissions in Nigeria. Empirical results indicate that existing energy mix has not significantly influenced sustainable development given that electricity generation is inadequate and coal is no longer in use. Results also show that per capita increase in oil consumption resulted in per capita increase in carbon emission and global warming. Exploitable energy sources were however identified in anticipation that an integrated energy plan with emphasis on renewable energy sources for off-grid areas would promote stability in energy supply and sustainable development.