This paper analyzed multidimensional energy poverty in Nigeria at national and
zonal levels using the 2009-10 National Living Standard Survey data. The study
adopted the Nussbaumer, et al, (2011) methodology. National level results
showed that 95 percent of Nigerians suffered energy poverty, deprived of 74
percent of the weighted indicators and had an MEPI of 70 percent. Energy
poverty was found to be acute in all the zones excepting the South-west where it
was moderate. Furthermore, the Southwest had the least share of energy poverty
while the North-West contributed the most. In terms of sector, gender and
occupation the South-south is the worst hit. It was concluded that energy
poverty in Nigeria is both acute and pervasive. It was therefore recommended
that local and state governments should embark on rural electrification projects
and connect urban centers to the national grid. Available clean energy, like
cooking gas should also be made available at affordable prices and in the rural
areas.