- Nigeria’s electricity exports have reached $112 million, with Benin and Niger as the primary recipients, showing significant growth in the sector.
- Experts and consumer advocates express concern over Nigeria’s ongoing power shortages and insufficient investment in renewable energy despite export success.
Recent data from the International Trade Centre (ITC) reveals that Nigeria’s electricity exports have reached a notable $112 million, with neighbouring countries Benin and Niger as the primary recipients. As of January 18, 2025, exports to Benin accounted for $66 million, with a potential export value of $82 million, leaving $16 million in unrealised potential. Exports to Niger were valued at $46 million, with an additional $4.1 million still untapped.
The increase in electricity exports reflects significant growth in Nigeria’s energy sector, particularly with Benin and Niger relying on Nigeria’s power grid. The positive export figures showcase the country’s ability to generate and distribute electricity to other nations, demonstrating Nigeria’s potential as a regional energy provider; however, despite the success in exports, a critical issue remains within Nigeria’s borders: its domestic power supply.
Chief Princewill Okorie, Executive Director of the Electricity Consumer Protection Advocacy Centre, has raised concerns over the focus on electricity exports. At the same time, Nigerians continue to face power shortages, blackouts, and what he describes as consumer exploitation. Okorie emphasised the need for Nigeria to prioritise solving its domestic energy crisis before focusing on exporting electricity to neighbouring countries. He questioned whether the revenues from exports were being reinvested into Nigeria’s struggling power sector, which continues to experience infrastructure, management, and sustainability challenges.
Kunle Olubiyo, President of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, also voiced concerns about the lack of sufficient investment in renewable energy. He warned that Nigeria risks falling behind in the global energy transition without substantial investments in clean energy sources. As global energy trends shift toward sustainability, Olubiyo stressed that Nigeria must reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and invest more in renewable energy infrastructure such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.
Despite the growth in electricity exports, experts argue that the country needs to address its domestic energy issues to ensure long-term economic development and stability. The ongoing power shortages have hindered Nigeria’s industrial growth and financial productivity, with many sectors heavily dependent on reliable electricity.
Experts urge the Nigerian government to prioritise investments in sustainable energy solutions to meet the needs of the domestic population and position the country as a leader in clean energy within Africa.