By Ayomide Otitoju
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced that Nigeria supplies electricity to neighboring countries, including Togo, Benin Republic, and Niger Republic. TCN Chief Executive Officer Sule Abdulaziz made this statement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
Abdulaziz confirmed that these countries receive power from Nigeria on a 24-hour basis and that they are compensating for the supply. “We supply Togo, we supply Benin and Niger,” he said.
Despite these exports, Nigeria’s power sector has faced significant challenges, with the national grid experiencing three collapses in the past week, leading to widespread blackouts. However, Abdulaziz noted that some Nigerians, particularly those in Band A areas, benefit from a more reliable power supply. “Nigerians are getting 24-hour supply; it’s not everybody. Those people that are in Band A get 20 to 22 hours,” he explained.
According to Abdulaziz, electricity distribution companies, commonly referred to as DisCos, prioritize customers in Band A, who are expected to receive between 18 to 22 hours of electricity daily.
The frequent grid collapses have raised concerns among the public about the management of the country’s power sector. Abdulaziz attributed these issues to aging infrastructure but reassured that improvements are underway. “Presently, we are implementing a scatter system for the entire network, funded by the World Bank. This project, which is 70% complete, will take two years to finish and should reduce the frequency of system disturbances,” he stated.
In recent months, electricity tariffs in Nigeria have increased, particularly for customers in Band A, who now pay N225 per kilowatt-hour, up from N66. This rise has sparked outrage amid economic challenges, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the floating of the naira.
Despite these hikes, TCN emphasized that electricity tariffs in Nigeria remain lower compared to some other African nations. Abdulaziz said, “Electricity is expensive in Nigeria, but it is cheaper than in countries like Niger, Burkina Faso, and Senegal. Producing electricity is challenging, especially considering the exchange rate.”
