Benin, Togo Owe Nigeria $11 Million in Unpaid Electricity Bills

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has disclosed that the Republics of Benin and Togo have failed to remit over $11 million for electricity supplied by Nigeria during the first quarter of 2025, raising alarm over the stability of cross-border power agreements.

According to NERC’s Q1 2025 report, both countries were billed a combined $17.24 million for power consumed between January and March. However, only $5.8 million was paid, leaving an outstanding debt of $11.44 million.

The continued non-payment has triggered growing concerns within Nigeria’s power sector, with stakeholders urging a suspension of electricity exports to neighboring countries until the backlog is cleared. Experts warn that the mounting debt poses a direct threat to the financial health of Nigeria’s electricity market and could derail ongoing efforts to expand and stabilize domestic power supply.

“These persistent arrears are placing a heavy burden on the system,” a senior NERC official stated anonymously. “If our neighbors cannot meet their financial obligations, it may be necessary to reassess or suspend export agreements.”

Nigeria supplies electricity to Benin, Togo, and other West African countries under long-standing bilateral and multilateral agreements. However, delayed or incomplete payments have remained a recurring challenge.

NERC emphasized the need for the federal government to enforce stricter compliance mechanisms to ensure timely remittances. The commission also called for a review of existing cross-border electricity contracts to protect Nigeria’s economic interests.

The development has sparked a nationwide debate, with critics questioning the wisdom of exporting electricity when millions of Nigerians still suffer from erratic power supply. Civil society groups and energy analysts have called on the government to prioritize local consumption over international supply.

While no official response has been issued by the federal government, diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway to recover the outstanding payments. NERC has assured the public that it will continue to monitor the situation and push for concrete solutions to secure Nigeria’s energy future.