Environmental Degradation and Economic Growth in Nigeria: Investigating the Classical N-shaped EKC Hypothesis

Abstract

In this study, we go beyond the classical inverted Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) proposition to accommodate the N-shaped EKC proposition to explore the relation between environmental degradation and economic growth in Nigeria. Carbon II oxide (CO2) emission is observed to account for the largest component of Green House Gases (GHGs) which cause environmental degradation with life-threatening consequences. We adopt time series dataset on CO2 emission and growth rate of per capita GDP (GDPPG) from the World bank-data bank. The N-shaped EKC hypothesis is not ascertained for the country following our findings. We observe that environmental degradation is still rising in the country largely because of increase in CO2 and other GHGs emissions. We encourage policy makers and stakeholders to promote, make accessible and give incentives for the use of renewable energy sources. We recommend a paradigm shift from GHGs to cleaner and greener energy alternatives, and adoption of policy measures to support action for climate change for attainment of improved environmental quality alongside growth trajectories in the country.