Nigeria faces a critical developmental crisis characterized by severe rural energy poverty, accelerating deforestation, and significant hindrances in achieving sustainable development. This study analyzes the intricate interdependencies among these elements, demonstrating how the pervasive inadequate access to clean and affordable energy in rural areas directly fuels dependency on unsustainable biomass, leading to widespread deforestation. This environmental degradation, in turn, intensifies climate change impacts, thereby compromising public health and undermining socio-economic stability of the society. This study conducted a comprehensive review of 77 published articles, selecting 50 for their direct relevance and contemporaneity. Investigating into the intricate connections among the key issues of the research. The analysis reveals that this complex situation is not merely a consequence of resource inadequacy but rather an indicative of deeper systemic problems, such as governance failures, a substantial policy-implementation gap, and entrenched historical factors. However, the study also highlights the transformative potential of integrated policy interventions, particularly those centered on a strategic clean energy transition and community-driven sustainable forest management. Such approaches offer synergistic benefits across environmental, health, and socio-economic parameters, addressing the disproportionate burden on vulnerable populations and fostering multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The findings underscore the imperative for holistic, equity-focused, and governance-strengthening strategies to handle this complex situation effectively.

Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, Nigeria, situated at the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers, has experienced rapid urban expansion alongside heightened environmental risks, including flooding and ecosystem degradation. Using multi-temporal Landsat imagery (2000, 2010, 2020, 2024), Random Forest classification, and landscape metrics, this study analyses spatio-temporal patterns of urban growth and fragmentation in this underrepresented mid-sized African city. Urban land cover expanded from 6668 ha in 2000 to 15,985 ha in 2024 (net ~140% growth), following a non-linear trajectory of rapid expansion (2000–2010), partial consolidation (2010–2020), and renewed growth with intensified fragmentation (2020–2024). This growth caused severe ecological impacts: dense forest declined by 99.7% (from 373 ha to 1 ha), woodland by 73.9%, and core natural land cover by 23% to 13.8% of the landscape, below critical ecological thresholds. Edge density rose by 121%, exacerbating urban heat, runoff, and biodiversity loss, while apparent gains in grassland largely reflect secondary succession rather than recovery. This study recommends enforcing development restrictions below 10 m in elevation, with 100 m riparian buffers; restoring 500 ha of native corridors; mandating 20% urban tree canopy cover; and establishing community-based green space monitoring. The findings provide empirical insights into sustainability challenges facing mid-sized African cities and offer transferable strategies for ecologically sensitive urban planning.

Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, Nigeria, is a rapidly growing mid-sized city located at the confluence of the Niger and Benue Rivers. While this location has driven urban expansion, it has simultaneously increased the city’s exposure to environmental risks, particularly flooding and ecosystem degradation. Despite their growing importance, cities of this scale remain underrepresented in African urban research. Using multi-decadal Landsat imagery (2000, 2010, 2020, and 2024), Random Forest supervised classification, and PyLandStats landscape metrics, this study examines the spatio-temporal dynamics of urban growth and landscape fragmentation in Lokoja. Results reveal a non-linear urban trajectory characterized by rapid expansion (2000–2010), partial consolidation (2010–2020), and renewed densification with intensified fragmentation (2020–2024). Urban land cover expanded from 6,668 ha in 2000 to 19,371 ha in 2010, declined to 12,883 ha in 2020, and increased again to 15,985 ha by 2024, representing a net growth of approximately 140%. Urban expansion has imposed severe ecological costs. Dense forest cover declined by 99.7% (from 373 ha to 1 ha), while woodland areas were reduced by 73.9%. Core habitat declined from 23% to 13.8% of the landscape, falling below the 15–20% threshold associated with ecological functionality. Edge density increased by 121%, amplifying urban heat island effects, surface runoff, and biodiversity loss. Although grassland cover increased by 77.1%, this reflects secondary succession rather than ecological recovery, given an estimated loss of 3,000 ha of original vegetation. The study recommends enforcing development restrictions below 10 m elevation with 100 m riparian buffers, restoring 500 ha of native riparian corridors, mandating a minimum of 20% urban tree canopy cover, and institutionalizing community-based monitoring of green spaces. These findings contribute empirical evidence on the sustainability challenges of mid-sized African cities and offer transferable planning strategies for ecologically sensitive urban regions.

This study examines the ecotourism potentials, ecological perspectives, and sustainable development practices at Erin Ijesa and Ayikunugba Waterfalls in Osun State, Nigeria. A quantitative research design was adopted using a structured questionnaire. A total of 160 respondents (80 respondents in each community) were sampled through a random sampling method in both communities (Erin Ijesa and Oke Ila respectively). Findings show both sites have notable cultural value, as 62.5% of respondents in Erin Ijesa and 66.3% of respondents in Ayikunugba were affirmative. Results also revealed that Erin Ijesa and Ayikunugba Waterfalls serve educational purposes, with seminar hosting having the highest percentage (74.0% and 72.2%, respectively). Ecological qualities, particularly natural beauty and scenery, scored high at both sites with 92.5% and 95.0% in Erin Ijesa and Ayikunugba, respectively. Diverse plant covers were notable in both sites. However, research potential was rated lower at 51.6% in Erin Ijesa and 48.0% in Ayikunugba Waterfalls. To address this, policy must shift the management emphasis from mass tourism toward edu-tourism by formalising university collaborations and diversifying site infrastructural facilities to support scientific field study. The study concludes that while both waterfalls offer considerable ecotourism and developmental prospects, sustainable tourism development depends on improved planning, stronger community involvement, and targeted investments in environmental management and education.