Investigating Energy Use and Sustainability Awareness in Indigenous Communities of South-West and South-South Nigeria

Purpose: To evaluate energy practices and sustainability awareness across the chosen states in the South-West and South-South regions of Nigeria. Design/Methodology/Approach: A quantitative research design was used. The questionnaire was given to the residents of four states (Ogun, Lagos, Edo, and Delta). A stratified sampling method was employed to ensure that selected communities were sampled, with a target population of 400 and 387 respondents. The data were examined using descriptive statistics, including mean scores, frequency distributions, and standard deviations, calculated with SPSS. Research Limitation: The research is confined to four states in Nigeria, which may limit the generalisability of the findings to other regions. Findings: Renewable energy has significant potential to alleviate energy poverty and address environmental issues, especially in communities dissatisfied with existing fossil-fuel-based energy services. The study focuses on such policy interventions, targeted investments in renewable energy infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns. Practical Implication: The practical implications span from household electricity bills to national energy security, requiring investment and behavioural shifts to fully realise its potential. Social Implications: Renewable energy use and sustainability education can be promoted by ensuring better access to reliable energy, environmental responsibility, and long-term socio-economic development in Nigeria through minimising inequality. Originality and Value: The study offers a comparative, multi-regional perspective and introduces the integration of SDG-based education as a strategic pathway for enhancing sustainable energy adoption, thereby bridging the gap between policy frameworks and grassroots implementation.