ABSTRACT

The study investigated carbon footprint and economic growth in Nigeria for a period of 34 years (1986 to 2019). The rationale for the present study is predicated on the fact that carbon footprint plays significant role on economic growth in any country across the globe. The study employed the Ordinary Least Squares techniques on variables such as real gross domestic product (RGDP), carbon dioxide emmission (CO2), population (POP), energy consumption (ECON) and poverty (POV). The study showed evidence that the relationship between carbon dioxide emission (CO2) and economic growth in Nigeria was positive and statistically insignificant, while Population (POP), energy consumption (ECON) and poverty (POV) had positive statistically significant relationship with economic growth in Nigeria.The study recommends among others that, Nigerian Government should establish laws and institutions to control carbon emission in our nations through policies that will incorporate population regulation measures, urban decongestion, sensitization and proper awareness for environmental quality. Also, the study recommends that Nigerian Government need to ensure adequate energy facilities should be embraced in the different sectors of the Nigerian economy as well as promoting energy-efficient products and appropriate practices at the side of the end users and energy generation. Furthermore, the study recommends that, there is need for government to initiate poverty programmes, which should be all-inclusive and properly monitored to ensure that such programmes reached the desired or targeted population in Nigeria. Also, Government should ensure regular supply of electricity (an energy with relatively low carbon emission factor) in order to discourage low and medium income households from using energies with high carbon emission factors, e.g. firewood, kerosene and so on. Finally, that Government should stimulate demand and attract investors in renewable energy technology in Nigeria to reduce over dependence on fossil fuels.