Neighbors in the dark as Benin Togo and Niger leave Nigeria with a ₦12 billion unpaid electricity bill

Nigeria is currently grappling with a massive $9.55 million revenue hole in its power sector after three West African neighbors failed to settle their electricity bills for the final quarter of 2025. The latest data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, led by Chairman Dr. Musiliu Olalekan Oseni, reveals a staggering gap between the energy provided and the cash collected from international partners.

According to the official Q4 2025 report, Nigeria issued invoices totaling $20.44 million to utility firms in Benin Republic, Togo, and Niger. However, these nations collectively remitted only $10.89 million. This means that for every dollar of electricity exported across the border, nearly half went unpaid, leaving the Nigerian grid to shoulder a 46.72 percent financial shortfall.

The breakdown of the debt highlights a stark disparity in how these international customers value their energy supply. While some contracts saw decent returns, others were total losses for the Nigerian generators. The worst offender was Togo’s Odukpani CEET, which received an invoice for $2.18 million and failed to pay a single cent. Similarly, Benin’s Transcorp SBHE (Ughelli) operation managed to remit only 12.30 percent of its $3.74 million bill.

Niger, represented by NIGELEC, received the largest single invoice of nearly $6 million and showed a better commitment by paying roughly 68 percent of its dues. Despite these scattered payments, the overall performance remains a significant drag on a Nigerian energy industry that is already under immense financial pressure.

The situation becomes even more controversial when compared to domestic performance. While international neighbors are lagging, local Nigerian bilateral customers demonstrated far superior discipline, paying 84.23 percent of their invoices. The only major domestic blemish came from Ajaokuta Steel Company, which followed the lead of the defaulting neighbors by failing to pay any of its ₦1.26 billion invoice for the quarter.

This recurring debt cycle raises uncomfortable questions for the Nigerian government. As the country continues to face power shortages and infrastructure challenges at home, the decision to export energy to neighbors who do not pay in full remains a point of intense national debate. With $9.55 million vanishing in just three months, the pressure is mounting on NERC to ensure that “powering Africa” does not come at the direct expense of Nigeria’s own economic stability.