Sustainable infrastructure for Nigeria’s sustainable economic development: whither transportation or electric power supply?

Abstract

Infrastructures, publicly or privately provided, are widely believed to be the foundation for economic development. Indeed, studies have demonstrated the relationship between physical infrastructures (especially economic infrastructures) and economic growth. But not much is known in Nigeria about sustainable economic development induced by identified sustainable infrastructure. That is, economic development and infrastructure development that provokes local inclusiveness, economic progress and environmental friendliness. Modelling the effect of a range of time series data on GDP per capita, this study found electric power supply to have a strong relationship with sustainable development but not sufficient to provoke economic development in Nigeria. It concluded that electric power supply does not serve as catalyst for sustainable economic development in Nigeria, as recommended. It is argued here that there is a need to focus on critical economic infrastructure provision and investment, which will in turn have linked effects to boost other economic sectors through inclusive and environment friendly policies and programmes.