Evidence based analysis of Environmental, Social and Economic Sustainability and how it can collectively contribute to Nigeria’s Development’

Abstract

Sustainability and sustainable development have become a global aspiration of many nations aimed at ensuring economic growth, protecting environmental resources, and ensuring better living conditions for the present and future generations. The objective of the study was to make an evidence-based content analysis of how environmental, social and economic  sustainability can collectively contribute to Nigeria’s development. The study established that only by integrating and interlinking economic, social and environmental sustainability can negative synergies be arrested, positive synergies fostered, and real development encouraged in Nigeria. Also applying social sustainability in Nigeria will be based on emphasis upon satisfying human needs in such essential areas as education, social equity, nutrition, health care, and fostering equitable resource distribution for economic development of the nation. The study recommended among others that sustainable resource management practices should be vigorously pursued in Nigeria to ensure that national and natural resources are utilized responsibly in line with United Nation’s SDG 12 (Responsible consumption and production). Also, since increase in economic growth will increase carbon footprint and green house emission that may affect sustainability, Nigerian governments should focus on economic policies that have consideration for environmental and social impacts on citizens in order to achieve sustainable development.