Nigeria to export electricity to 14 African countries as local demand falters

Nigeria to Export Electricity to 14 African Countries as Local Demand Falters

Nigeria has announced plans to export electricity to 14 African countries following its successful integration into the West African Power Pool (WAPP), a move hailed as historic but raising questions about domestic energy demand and supply.  

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Power, revealed that the country now possesses an export capacity of about 600 megawatts, though only 350MW is currently shared with neighboring countries such as Benin Republic, Togo, and Niger.

This expansion is expected to extend Nigeria’s electricity reach to 14 nations across the continent, marking a significant milestone in regional energy cooperation.  

At the heart of this development is the synchronisation of Nigeria’s national grid with the WAPP, a regional initiative designed to foster electricity trade among West African states. 

The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, alongside key stakeholders including the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO), emphasized that the integration would not compromise domestic supply. 

They argued that energy demand within Nigeria remains relatively low, despite persistent complaints of inadequate electricity access. This paradox, low demand amid widespread shortages, stems from infrastructural bottlenecks, unreliable distribution networks, and consumer skepticism about paying for unstable service.  

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has also played a role in preparing the sector for this transition. It mandated compliance with the Free Governor Control Order, a technical requirement aimed at stabilizing grid operations. 

Reports indicate that about 60 percent of power generation companies have already complied ahead of the November 30 deadline.  

While the government insists that exporting electricity will not undermine local consumption, critics argue that Nigeria’s transmission infrastructure, which stagnates at around 8,500MW, remains insufficient to meet both domestic and regional needs. 

The country’s installed generation capacity exceeds 13,000MW, yet actual output often hovers below 5,000MW due to gas supply constraints, poor maintenance, and systemic inefficiencies. This mismatch has fueled skepticism about whether Nigeria can truly balance export ambitions with local realities.  

Financially, the export initiative is projected to be lucrative. Some reports suggest that Nigeria could earn up to N1.49 trillion annually from electricity exports to West African countries. Such revenue could bolster the sector, attract investment, and potentially fund improvements in domestic infrastructure. 

However, the challenge lies in ensuring that ordinary Nigerians, many of whom still rely on generators and alternative energy sources, see tangible benefits from this regional trade.  

In conclusion, Nigeria’s decision to export electricity to 14 African countries represents both an opportunity and a dilemma. 

On one hand, it positions the nation as a regional energy hub and promises significant economic returns. 

On the other, it underscores the persistent contradictions of Nigeria’s power sector: abundant generation potential but chronic underutilization at home. 

The success of this initiative will depend not only on regional cooperation but also on whether the government can finally resolve the structural issues that have long plagued domestic electricity supply.