Togo, Benin, and Niger Owe Nigeria N17.45 Billion in Electricity Debt, Reports NERC

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has reported that electricity customers in Togo, Benin, and the Niger Republic have accumulated an outstanding debt of approximately N17.45 billion for power supplied during the first quarter of 2026. This significant financial gap emerges from a low settlement rate by these international neighbors, who are key partners in Nigeria's cross-border energy trade. The report underscores the ongoing financial complexities involved in maintaining regional power supply agreements while ensuring domestic fiscal stability within the Nigerian energy sector. Detailed figures from the NERC indicate that the total billing for these three countries for the quarter amounted to $17.48 million. However, the total payment received was only $4.82 million, representing a payment performance of just 27.57 percent. This leaves an unpaid balance of $12.66 million. When calculated at the current exchange rate of N1,378 to the US dollar, the total outstanding liability for these international customers reaches the N17.45 billion mark, posing a significant challenge for the liquidity of Nigeria’s electricity market. This data highlights a critical reliance on Nigerian power by neighboring West African nations, yet the low recovery rate of these invoices remains a point of concern for regulatory authorities. As Nigeria continues to manage its own internal energy demands and infrastructure costs, the timely settlement of international electricity bills is vital for the sustainability of the regional energy pool. Moving forward, the NERC and relevant stakeholders will likely face increased pressure to address these payment shortfalls to ensure the continued reliability of cross-border power supply.