Togo, Niger, Benin Owe Nigeria ₦25 Billion for Electricity – NERC
By Erewunmi Peace
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has revealed that Togo, Niger, and Benin currently owe Nigeria a combined ₦25 billion (around $17.8 million) for electricity supplied under bilateral cross-border agreements.
According to NERC, the three countries paid only a portion of their electricity bills, leaving a substantial outstanding balance.
The amounts owed reflect both current and legacy unpaid bills, highlighting persistent issues in cross-border energy settlements.
The international customers responsible for the debts are:
- Compagnie Énergie Électrique du Togo (Togo)
- Société Béninoise d’Énergie Électrique (Benin)
- Société Nigérienne d’Électricité (Niger)
NERC stated that the debts are part of ongoing monitoring efforts to ensure that regional electricity trading remains transparent and financially sustainable.
The agency is reportedly engaging with the respective power companies to address the arrears and prevent disruptions in service.
“NERC is committed to ensuring that cross-border electricity supply is fully paid for, so that Nigerian power companies can continue to provide reliable service domestically and regionally,” the commission said in a statement.
The revelation underscores challenges in regional energy cooperation in West Africa, even as Nigeria continues to supply power to neighbouring countries under mutually agreed arrangements.
