Three West African countries — Benin, Togo, and Niger — owe Nigeria a total of $9.55 million for electricity supplied in the last quarter of 2025, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Data from the commission’s Q4 2025 report showed that invoices worth $20.44 million were issued to the three countries, but only $10.89 million was paid, reflecting a 53.28% remittance performance.
The report revealed varying levels of compliance among the countries’ power utilities. While some operators recorded moderate payments, others failed to meet obligations, with one supplier making no payment at all during the period.
Despite the shortfall, the Société Béninoise d’Energie Electrique (SBEE) later paid an additional $3.54 million to offset part of its outstanding debt.
Within Nigeria, domestic bilateral customers showed stronger compliance, remitting ₦3.5 billion out of ₦4.17 billion, representing an 84.23% payment rate. However, Ajaokuta Steel Company, classified as a special customer, was billed ₦1.26 billion but made no payment during the period.
The development highlights Nigeria’s ongoing struggle to recover payments for electricity exports, even as the country grapples with internal power supply challenges. Analysts warn that persistent payment defaults could place additional financial pressure on power generation companies and disrupt the stability of the electricity market.
