Nigeria Carbon Footprint
Nigeria emits 117 million tonnes of CO₂ per year — equivalent to 0.54 tonnes per person, 88.1% below the global average of 4.54 tonnes.
Per-capita emissions comparison
Overview: Nigeria's emissions profile
Nigeria is a Africa nation with a population of approximately 218 million. Its total annual CO₂ output of 117 million tonnes represents 0.3% of global emissions. On a per-capita basis, each person in Nigeria is responsible for 0.54 tonnes of CO₂ per year — compared to the world average of 4.54 tonnes and the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C pathway target of 2.3 tonnes.
Renewable energy in Nigeria
Source: IEA 2023. Global average: ~30%.
Nigeria currently generates 19% of electricity from renewables — below the global average of around 30%. Expanding renewable capacity is one of the highest-leverage actions available for reducing national emissions.
Net zero target and climate commitments
Nigeria does not currently have a legislated net zero target. Setting and enacting credible long-term emissions reduction commitments remains a key challenge for the country's climate policy.
The Paris Agreement (2015) requires countries to submit Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) — national plans for emissions reduction. Progress against these targets is tracked by the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
Carbon intensity of the economy
Nigeria's economy generates 0.17 kg of CO₂ per dollar of GDP — a measure of how carbon-efficient its economic output is. This is broadly average for an upper-middle or high-income economy.
How does Nigeria compare?
With 0.54 tonnes CO₂ per person, Nigeria is 88.1% below the world average of 4.54 tonnes. To meet the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C pathway, per-capita emissions globally need to fall to around 2.3 tonnes by 2030 — meaning Nigeria is already at or near the Paris pathway target.
Explore the interactive world emissions map to compare Nigeria with other countries, or use our free carbon calculator to measure your own footprint.
Frequently asked questions
What is Nigeria's carbon footprint per person?
Nigeria's carbon footprint is approximately 0.54 tonnes of CO₂ per person per year. The global average is 4.54 tonnes. Nigeria is 88.1% below the world average.
What are Nigeria's total CO₂ emissions?
Nigeria emits approximately 117 million tonnes of CO₂ per year (IEA 2023 data). This accounts for 0.3% of global annual CO₂ emissions.
Does Nigeria have a net zero target?
Nigeria does not currently have a legislated net zero target, though it has made some emissions reduction commitments.
What share of Nigeria's energy comes from renewables?
Approximately 19% of Nigeria's electricity generation comes from renewable sources (IEA 2023). There is significant room for renewable energy growth.