Research Article
The Role of Natural Gas in Driving Industrial Growth in Nigeria: An ARDL Approach
Ugbede Mathew Oduka*
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
81-91
Received:
16 June 2025
Accepted:
26 June 2025
Published:
22 July 2025
Abstract: This study examines the impact of natural gas utilization on Nigeria’s industrial sector, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the research analyzes the short-run and long-run dynamics between industrial output (LOG_IND_OP), natural gas supply (LOG_NG_SD), GDP (LOG_GDP), and inflation (LOG_INF). The findings reveal a significant short-run relationship, where a 1% increase in natural gas supply boosts industrial output by 0.33%, while GDP has a stronger positive effect (0.9%). Inflation, however, shows no short-term impact. The bounds test indicates no long-run cointegration, though weak evidence suggests a potential 1.32% industrial growth from increased natural gas supply at a 10% significance level. The study highlights the crucial role of natural gas in Nigeria’s industrial expansion, supporting energy transition theories and the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, which posits that the adoption of cleaner energy can enhance industrial productivity while mitigating environmental degradation. Policy recommendations emphasize stabilizing natural gas supply, investing in infrastructure, and adopting adaptive industrial policies to sustain growth. The absence of long-run equilibrium highlights the need for agile strategies that align with Nigeria’s energy transition goals, ensuring industrial resilience against external shocks while fostering sustainable development.
Abstract: This study examines the impact of natural gas utilization on Nigeria’s industrial sector, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). Using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model, the research analyzes the short-...
Show More
Research Article
African Locust Bean Pod Extract: A Green Solution for Bamboo Preservation
Issue:
Volume 14, Issue 3, September 2025
Pages:
92-100
Received:
13 May 2025
Accepted:
23 July 2025
Published:
18 August 2025
Abstract: There is high demand for sustainable building materials bringing bamboo into the spotlight due to its rapid growth, versatility, and environmental benefits. However, its susceptibility to biological degradation especially by termites limits its broader application in construction and furniture industries. Towards achieving SDG 15 (life on land), environmental concerns surrounding synthetic wood preservatives surge. There is therefore the need to identifying natural and biodegradable alternatives to curb this menace. Agricultural by-products such as the African Locust Bean Pod Husk (ALBPH) offer untapped potential for development into eco-friendly wood preservatives. This study therefore investigated the potential of African Locust Bean Pod Husk (ALBPH) extract as a natural preservative to enhance the resistance of Bambusa vulgaris to termite attack. ALBPH extract was prepared by soaking 250g, 500g, and 750g of pounded husk in 3000mL of either water or ethanol for 24 hours, followed by filtration. Bamboo samples were immersed in the extracts for five days to ensure adequate absorption and then oven-dried. After 12 weeks of termite exposure, percentage weight loss was measured for five replicates of each treated sample (500mm × 25mm × 10-20mm). Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS version 25 and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. Treated samples exhibited weight loss ranging from 7.29% to 18.61%, while untreated controls showed the highest loss at 38.78%. Water-extracted ALBPH resulted in 8.29 to 18.42% weight loss, while ethanol extracts yielded 7.29 to 18.61%. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two solvent types. The findings suggest that ALBPH extract, particularly in water-based form, is a promising, eco-friendly preservative for bamboo. This study therefore recommends that further research be conducted to optimize the concentration and application method of ALBPH extracts for large-scale use. Additionally, long-term field trials under varying environmental conditions are encouraged to validate the preservative potential of ALBPH. Given its promising performance and eco-friendly nature, water-based ALBPH extract can be promoted as a sustainable alternative to synthetic preservatives for protecting bamboo in rural and urban construction applications.
Abstract: There is high demand for sustainable building materials bringing bamboo into the spotlight due to its rapid growth, versatility, and environmental benefits. However, its susceptibility to biological degradation especially by termites limits its broader application in construction and furniture industries. Towards achieving SDG 15 (life on land), en...
Show More
