Benin and Togo owe Nigeria over $11 million for power supply

The Republics of Benin and Togo owe Nigeria more than $11 million for electricity supplied in the first quarter of 2025, according to a report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.

Out of the $17.24 million invoiced to six international customers, only $5.8 million was recovered, a remittance rate of just under 34%.

Niger Republic’s NIGELEC was the only customer to pay its bill in full, while Benin’s SBEE and Togo’s CEET made little or no payment despite receiving steady power. Togo’s CEET, for example, did not remit anything on two major supply contracts.

NERC has warned that these repeated payment failures threaten Nigeria’s electricity market and could force supply cuts if the situation does not improve.

Domestically, some major industrial customers also failed to pay, including Ajaokuta Steel Company, which again did not remit any funds.

Experts caution that without stronger enforcement, persistent non-payment threatens Nigeria’s electricity market and future investments.