Nigeria exported electricity worth N181.62 billion to neighbouring countries—Togo, Benin, and Niger—between January and September 2024, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
A breakdown revealed that N58.65 billion was exported in Q1, N63.28 billion in Q2, and N59.69 billion in Q3. This occurred despite the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) imposing a cap on exports in May to improve domestic power supply.
The regulatory order, effective May 1, 2024, limited cross-border power supply to six percent of total grid electricity. NERC emphasized that prioritizing international customers over local Distribution Companies (Discos) created grid imbalances, compromising service levels for Nigerian consumers and straining revenues.
NERC criticized the system operator for inefficient grid management during peak demand periods, which prioritized exports and bilateral contracts over meeting domestic industrial, commercial, and residential needs. The commission argued that existing international contracts lacked the robust terms required to ensure equitable distribution and grid stability.
The six-month directive, aimed at addressing these challenges, remains under review as authorities seek to balance Nigeria’s domestic electricity needs with international obligations.
