Three African Countries Owe Nigeria $20 Million in Electricity Debts

BY favour momodu
November 6, 2025
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Nigeria continues to export electricity to neighboring West African nations despite its persistent domestic power supply challenges, with recent data revealing that three countries Benin, Togo, and Niger have collectively accrued nearly $20 million in unpaid electricity bills within the first half of 2025.

According to figures from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the countries’ utilities Communauté Électrique du Bénin (CEB), Société Nigérienne d’Électricité (NIGELEC), and Compagnie Énergie Électrique du Togo (CEET) accumulated a combined debt of $19.97 million for power supplied through the international electricity market.

Nigeria supplies electricity to these nations through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other bilateral agreements under the West African Power Pool (WAPP), a regional initiative aimed at fostering electricity trade and energy cooperation among ECOWAS member states.

Despite the outstanding debts, Nigeria has maintained supply, in part to uphold regional commitments and prevent disruptions that could affect diplomatic and economic relations.

However, concerns persist that the country’s export of electricity contrasts sharply with its domestic struggles as millions of Nigerians still face erratic power supply and frequent blackouts.

To tackle its internal challenges, the Nigerian government has embarked on major reforms and investments in the power sector, including the $2 billion “super grid” project, designed to boost transmission capacity, reduce system collapses, and support industrial growth.

Officials say the project and other initiatives under the Presidential Power Initiative (PPI) are expected to strengthen Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and enhance the country’s ability to meet both domestic and regional supply obligations.

While Nigeria’s regional electricity trade underscores its role as a power hub in West Africa, analysts argue that ensuring reliable electricity for its own citizens must remain the top priority.