- Electricity exports generate foreign exchange and strengthen regional influence.
- Expansion must align with improved domestic supply and transparent
The Nigerian electricity export plan has returned to national debate following a federal proposal to expand regional power supply. Presently, Nigeria already exports electricity to Niger, Benin, and Togo through the West African Power Pool. Therefore, government officials view expansion as both an economic opportunity and a diplomatic lever.
Historically, Nigeria was connected to Benin and Togo through the CEB–NEPA interconnection in 2007. Subsequently, exports to Niger began in 2011. By early 2025, combined electricity exports to Benin and Niger reached about 112 million dollars. Consequently, exports deliver foreign exchange and diversify revenue beyond oil. They also support liquidity for generation and transmission companies that face persistent cash constraints.
Beyond revenue, electricity exports can strengthen Nigeria’s regional influence. As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria can anchor sub-regional energy stability. Moreover, expanded markets may attract private investment into gas and renewable generation. Such investment could create jobs and improve technical capacity across the sector.
However, domestic realities complicate this ambition. Millions of Nigerians still lack reliable access to electricity. Frequent grid collapses, load shedding, and erratic supply affect households and businesses daily. Therefore, many Nigerians rely on petrol and diesel generators. This reliance raises living costs and worsens inflationary pressure.
Officially, Nigeria’s installed generation capacity stands between 13,000 and 13,600 megawatts. In practice, critics argue that delivered power averages only 4,000 to 5,000 megawatts. Additionally, transmission and distribution losses further reduce available electricity. In this context, expanded exports appear insensitive to domestic hardship.
Public concern also centres on tariffs and equity. Citizens fear exports could worsen shortages and justify higher prices. As a result, Nigerians may subsidise power for neighbours while paying more for unreliable supply. Accountability issues deepen these concerns. Past export arrangements reportedly produced unpaid debts. By the third quarter of 2025, Benin, Togo, and Niger allegedly owed about 17.8 million dollars. Limited transparency around export volumes further clouds actual revenue outcomes.
Therefore, policy sequencing matters. Export expansion should align with measurable improvements in domestic supply. Likewise, contracts must remain transparent and commercially sound. Revenue from exports should fund upgrades to generation, transmission, and distribution at home. Without such safeguards, public trust may erode further.
Ultimately, the Nigerian electricity export plan should complement national development. It must not undermine access to electricity for homes and businesses. With discipline and transparency, Nigeria can balance regional leadership with domestic responsibility.