Abstract The global push for decarbonization has positioned solar energy as a cornerstone of sustainable energy transitions, particularly in developing economies with abundant solar resources. Nigeria, despite experiencing average daily solar irradiation of 3.5–7.0 kWh/m², continues to derive less than 5% of its electricity from solar power, relying predominantly on fossil fuels. This study examines the role of solar energy in Nigeria’s decarbonization pathway by assessing its technical viability, socio-economic potential, and policy barriers. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered from 150 staff of the Energy Commission of Nigeria through structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions, supplemented with secondary reports. Descriptive and inferential statistics, supported by thematic analysis, were employed for interpretation. Results reveal that while solar technologies are widely perceived as technically feasible for large-scale deployment, weak fiscal incentives, grid integration challenges, and regulatory inconsistencies significantly constrain adoption. Hypothesis testing confirmed a significant relationship between solar adoption and carbon emission reduction (F = 2.414; p < 0.05), underscoring its potential to drive national decarbonization. The study concludes that scaling solar deployment offers Nigeria a dual advantage of mitigating energy poverty and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, thereby advancing Sustainable Development Goals 7 and 13. It recommends the establishment of coherent policy frameworks, investment in grid modernization and storage technologies, and targeted incentives to attract private investment.