Power Systems and Energy Infrastructure for Sustainable Energy Development in Nigeria: Challenges, Innovation and Policy Perspective

This study explored how power systems and energy infrastructure development affect sustainable economic growth in Nigeria, focusing on infrastructural problems, technological innovation, integration of renewable energy sources, and policies affecting the performance of the energy sector. The study employed a quantitative research design. Secondary data was used and sourced from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), World Bank and International Energy Agency (IEA) from 2000 to 2024. Empirical analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics, Augmented Dickey Fuller unit root test, cointegration analysis and Autoregressive Distributed Lag estimation techniques. The results showed that electricity generation, energy infrastructure investment, renewable energy contribution, energy accessibility and policy reform were positively and significantly affecting sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. The regression result revealed that the coefficient value for electricity generation was 0.428, infrastructure investment was 0.391, renewable energy contribution was 0.276 and energy accessibility was 0.344. The coefficient of determination of 0.81 indicated that about 81 per cent of the variations in economic growth could be explained by the explanatory variables. According to the study, Nigeria's sustainable economic transformation heavily relies on the modernization of its infrastructures, integration of renewable energy, technological innovations and proper implementation of energy policies.