Re-examining the Environmental Kuznets Curve Hypothesis in Nigeria: Recent Evidence from ARDL Model.

Abstract

This study re-examines the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis in Nigeria over the 1980-
2021 period. Applying the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the estimated result shows
the long-run co-movement of the variables included in the model. However, the model fails to support
the EKC inverted U-shaped hypothesis during the study period. The long-run estimates found that
increase in Gross Domestic Income, Trade integration and GDP growth will significantly lead to
reduction in CO2 emissions. Meanwhile, increase in urbanization growth and population growth will
significantly result to increase in CO2 emissions in the long-run. The result of population growth on
CO2 emissions is quite alarming, thus, the study recommends for government intervention in
collaboration with private sector to ensure smooth transition to a cleaner technology with a view to curb
the environmental pollutants thereby achieving the sustainable development goal.