Political economy of energy challenges and national security in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper examined Political Economy of Energy Challenges and National Security in Nigeria. The objectives of the study is to examine how the political economy of Nigeria’s energy sector shaped the persistence of energy challenges in the country and to  analyze the extent to which energy insecurity contributes to national security in Nigeria. It employed Marxist theory as the theory as the theoretical framework. Both primary and secondary data was used in the study. The findings showed that corruption, elite control, rent dependence, and policy inconsistencies significantly sustain Nigeria’s energy challenges. Also, that energy insecurity directly fuels national security threats in Nigeria. It recommends that Federal Ministry of Power and NERC should strengthen regulatory enforcement by ensuring transparency in tariff structures, curbing corruption, and mandating accountability frameworks that attract long-term investment in infrastructure. Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), in collaboration with the Navy, should intensify protection of pipelines and energy infrastructure through community-based surveillance to reduce oil theft and vandalism.