DOES MILITARY SPENDING STIMULATE ENERGY CONSUMPTION IN NIGERIA?

Abstract Numerous studies have underscored the detrimental environmental effects of military spending vis-à-vis energy consumption, including pollution and habitat damage. Sequel to this, this study examines the effects of military spending on energy consumption in Nigeria. The data for the study were obtained from World Development Indicator (WDI, 2022) which covered from 1990-2022. The ARDL methods were employed to analyze the data. The analysis indicates that military spending has a positive effect on Nigeria's energy consumption in both the short and long term. An increase in military spending by a certain percentage is associated with a rise in energy consumption of approximately 0.18% in the short term and around 0.19% in the long term. The results demonstrate statistical significance at the 5% level. This finding is noteworthy as it substantiates the established assertion of the treadmill of destruction theory, which posits that military spending exacerbates energy consumption. Legislators ought to critically assess and limit military expenditures to essential operations that enhance security while minimizing environmental impact. It is essential for the government to reallocate resources from environmentally detrimental activities towards sectors that promote green technologies and the advancement of renewable energy. Keywords: Military spending, Energy consumption, ARDL, Nigeria