THE AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK AND THE ENERGY SECTOR IN NIGERIA (2010 -2023)

Research Problem This paper examines how the African Development Bank (AfDB) has contributed to Nigeria’s energy sector between 2010 and 2023, focusing on governance effectiveness, equity in energy access, and alignment with SDG 7 and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. AfDB interventions through technical assistance, and financing have expanded access but criticised for gas bias, procedural shortcomings, and uneven distributive outcomes. Methods/Theory Using a qualitative case study design, the research applies Energy Justice Theory (distributive, procedural, and recognition dimensions) and Liberal Institutionalism (institutional coordination and mutual gains). Data sources included documentary analysis of AfDB projects and national policies, Fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) of causal configurations, and stakeholder interviews (one regulator and four Jigawa Solar IPP beneficiaries). Results Findings show modest gains in distributive justice through rural electrification and off-grid renewables, exemplified by the Nigeria Electrification Project (2 million connections) and the Jigawa Solar IPP (50,000 households). However, procedural and recognition justice remain weak due to limited community engagement and elite‑driven decision‑making. Conclusion All in all, AfDB has become more accessible and institutionally stable but its developmental performance is limited by gaps in inclusivity, which lead to incomplete SDG 7 and Agenda 2063 adherence. Contribution to Knowledge This study pioneers the use of fsQCA in evaluating AfDB energy interventions in Nigeria and recommends participatory governance via community quotas, local institutional capacity building through knowledge transfer, and redistribution of funding toward community‑based renewables to achieve sustainable and inclusive energy models. Recommendation It recommends participatory governance via community quotas, local institutional capacity building through knowledge transfer, and redistribution of funding toward community‑based renewables to achieve sustainable and inclusive energy models.