This study investigates the impact of renewable energy consumption on employment in Nigeria, employing the Kernel-Based Regularized Least Squares (KRLS) method to capture the complex, non-linear relationships between key variables. Using annual data from authoritative sources, the analysis focuses on renewable energy consumption, fossil energy consumption, educational attainment levels, GDP per capita, and CO2 emissions. The findings reveal a significant positive relationship between renewable energy consumption and employment, with a 1% increase in renewable energy consumption leading to a 0.098–0.191% increase in employment. Fossil energy consumption also positively impacts employment, though to a lesser extent. The study highlights the critical role of tertiary education in enhancing employment outcomes and underscores the importance of economic growth as a determinant of job creation. The analysis suggests potential adverse impacts of CO2 emissions on employment, reinforcing the need for environmentally conscious policies. Based on these findings, the study recommends policies to enhance renewable energy adoption, invest in education, promote economic growth, and support industries transitioning from fossil fuels. Despite some limitations, such as data constraints and the generalization of employment impacts, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers aiming to foster sustainable development and climate justice in Nigeria.