Despite ongoing electricity shortages in Nigeria, neighbouring countries continue to benefit from the country’s power supply, according to the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). Togo, Niger, and Benin currently owe Nigeria a combined $17.8 million (about ₦25 billion) for electricity supplied under existing bilateral agreements.

NERC’s third-quarter 2025 report shows that these international customers were invoiced a total of $18.69 million for electricity delivered during the period, but remitted only $7.125 million—leaving an outstanding balance of $11.56 million. Legacy invoices totaling $14.7 million were only partially settled, with $6.23 million still unpaid.

The report identifies the electricity recipients as Compagnie Énergie Électrique du Togo, Société Béninoise d’Énergie Électrique of Benin, and Société Nigérienne d’Électricité of Niger. Power supplied to these countries is generated by Nigeria’s grid-connected generation companies and delivered through bilateral cross-border arrangements.

NERC noted that the remittance performance of these international off-takers was just 38.09 per cent, in contrast to domestic bilateral customers, who paid ₦3.19 billion out of ₦3.64 billion invoiced, representing an 87.61 per cent remittance rate.

The commission’s disclosure underscores the challenges Nigeria faces in collecting revenue from electricity exports, even as local consumers struggle with inconsistent supply, prompting many households to rely on solar panels, inverters, and generators.

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Nigeria’s cost of living eased in September 2025 as headline inflation fell to 18.02%, with several states recording lower rates, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The ranking is based on headline inflation, showing where prices of essential goods and services rose the least.

10. Jigawa – 16.3%

Inflation dropped from 23.1% to 16.3%, driven by government agricultural programmes like the Rice Millionaire Project and Special Agro-Processing Zones.

9. Akwa Ibom – 16.3%

Down from 20.7% in August, with food inflation at 9%. A new ₦695 billion budget and food security committee helped stabilise prices.

8. Imo – 15.8%

Improved security and stable housing costs reduced inflation from 18.3% to 15.8%, with food inflation at 12.4%.

7. Ebonyi – 14.8%

Inflation eased from 21.2% to 14.8%. Despite strong farm output, transport and distribution costs remain high.

6. Bayelsa – 14.8%

Inflation dropped from 23.8% but food inflation rose to 21.9% due to high import dependence.

5. Sokoto – 14%

Inflation fell sharply from 22.5%. Salary support to civil servants helped ease short-term pressures.

4. Enugu – 12.4%

Transport and rent relief cut inflation from 14.2%. Fertilizer distribution supported food supply.

3. Bauchi – 12.4%

Inflation declined from 15.3%, food inflation to 2.8%, supported by better roads, fertilizer subsidies, and grain reserves.

2. Niger – 11.8%

Inflation halved from 25.5%. Flood relief, road repairs, and food aid helped stabilise prices.

1. Anambra – 9.3%

Now Nigeria’s most affordable state, down from 14.2%. Market digitalisation and rural water projects reduced costs.

Overall, agricultural expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and relief programmes are helping many states achieve lower living costs despite national inflation pressures.

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Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, led a senior delegation that arrived Tuesday in the Nigerien capital. The team carried a personal message from Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Niger’s transitional leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.

The visit represents a diplomatic push to rebuild ties that have deteriorated since the political upheaval in Niger last July.

In a joint statement released after the high-level discussions, both countries reaffirmed a shared commitment to regional cooperation. The statement highlighted mutual interests in trade, infrastructure development, and border security, and emphasized the need to reenergise the Nigeria-Niger Joint Commission (NNJC), a platform for bilateral engagement that had lost momentum in recent years.

The talks, described as cordial and constructive, addressed multiple cross-cutting issues—from cross-border infrastructure like the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and regional rail links, to shared concerns over migration, agriculture, and the growing threat of violent extremism along their shared frontier.

Security cooperation was a priority topic. Both delegations acknowledged the persistent instability in border regions and agreed to enhance collaboration between their defence establishments. There was also a consensus to increase technical-level meetings and establish a bilateral consultative forum for sustained dialogue.

Despite speculation in diplomatic circles about which side initiated the talks, sources close to the matter suggested the outreach may have been quietly encouraged by Niamey, though officials have remained tight-lipped on the matter.

Observers say the renewed contact signals a potential thaw in relations following a period marked by ECOWAS sanctions, economic hardship, and public acrimony. A former Nigerian diplomat described the engagement as timely and necessary, cautioning that both sides must now act with political maturity to avoid further strain.

The diplomatic chill followed ECOWAS’s hardline response to the Nigerien coup, including trade restrictions and the threat of military intervention—measures in which Nigeria played a leading role. The fallout affected fuel supplies, border communities, and collaborative anti-terror operations.

In recent months, there has been increasing concern over the fragmentation of regional unity, particularly after Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso announced their exit from ECOWAS to form the Alliance of Sahel States. This shift has challenged Nigeria’s traditional role as a stabilising force in West Africa.

However, ongoing infrastructure and trade initiatives—including shared energy and rail projects—suggest both nations recognise the importance of cooperation, regardless of political differences.

Whether this latest dialogue results in a lasting détente remains to be seen, but officials on both sides appeared optimistic that the foundation has been laid for a more constructive phase in their long-standing relationship.

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They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that unfinished structures, and lack of affordability remained the main reasons why most of the estates had no tenants.

They also said that the largely uncoordinated nature of allocation which ensured that illegal occupants took over the estates had also compromised government’s plans to make houses available to the populace through the National Housing Programme.

Housing stakeholders in Nasarawa State attributed the proliferation of unoccupied housing estates in the country to unfavorable housing policies of the governments at all levels and the expensive rents.

Mr. Richard Embugus, Deputy Director, Architecture, Ministry of Works, Housing and Transport, Nasarawa State, said potential residents were also discouraged by bad roads, lack of perimeter fencing, shortage of reticulated water supply and poor landscaping.

He said potential tenants and buyers considered the absence of these facilities as additional burden on their income.

Embugus said both state and the federal governments should give a waiver on the cost of building materials and other infrastructure to reduce the burden on potential subscribers.

“There are agencies of government that are saddled with certain responsibilities like water supply, road construction and electricity supply.

“Government should engage the services of these agencies to provide those services.

“Let this be part of governments’ contribution to the provision of houses without putting the burden on up-takers of the houses. These factors are responsible for the hike in housing estate,” he said.

Embugus further said that the government should explore other ways to make housing estate affordable such as the use of indigenous building materials available in any particular state.

“For example in Nasarawa State, we have abundant laterite, and can conveniently serve as a major building element.

“We have red burnt bricks in South-South they have bamboo. By the time you use these materials the cost of building will be drastically reduced.

“We are talking about low-cost housing estate; that means a roof over your head, it mustn’t necessarily be very expensive,” he said.

He said most housing estates built by governments were far from government office areas, and vulnerable to insecurity, thereby making many civil servants to lose interest in occupying them.

Mr. Samson Attah, a civil servant, attributed the proliferation of unoccupied estates built by the governments and private developers to the high rents.

According to him, it is difficult for a civil servant who earns N150,000 per month to pay N9 million or more for the 30 per cent equity as demanded in most cases.

He recommended that the Federal Government should adopt rent-to-own policy instead of a 30 per cent equity policy.

He advised that the Federal Government should make it a policy for civil servants to access funds upfront from the Federal Mortgage Bank to the tune of between N10 million and N15 million, upon securing a job.

The fund, he said, should be used by the civil servant to acquire the house.

Mr. Ikechukwu Ikeagwuani, an Energy System Engineer and a tenant, decried the hike in rent being experienced in the country.

He called on the governments to build more housing estates in states and local government areas and make them closer to the people.

Also in Niger, Federal Government’s houses remain unoccupied for years due to several challenges, including non-completion, unfinished structures and affordability.

Dr. Bala Yahaya, Zonal Town Planner, Federal Ministry of Works and Housing, said some of the affected housing estates include Shagari Estate , Niger Housing Programme and the one on Minna-Bida road.

He said other affected estates are Shagari Housing Estate in Bida, New Bussa, Kontagora, Kabara, Kutigi, and Lapai.

Yahaya attributed the non-occupation of the houses to their high prices.

According to him a 3-bedroom semi-detached house sold for as high as N16.4 million between 2019 and 2020, while a two-bedroom semi-detached house cost over N12 million and one-bedroom apartment cost N1 million.

He also said some of the housing estates were built under Public-Private Partnership (PPP), but were in a bad condition.

He said making the allocation process easier and the houses more affordable would encourage more residents to subscribe to them.

In  Kogi, NAN checks showed that both the federal and state governments have housing estates which are largely unoccupied.

The estates are all located at Felele and Crusher Quarters in Lokoja Local Government Area of the state.

On Jan. 3, Gov. Ahmed Ododo, ordered the evacuation of some persons illegally occupying the 260 National Housing units in Phases I, II and III, located at Crusher already paid for by subscribers.

The state Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Mr Taiye Abanika, who announced their sack in a statement issued in Lokoja, warned against disobeying the order.

“The  Kogi Government, on this day, January 3, 2025, directed the illegal occupants of the national housing buildings at Crusher, Lokoja to vacate with immediate effect.’’

Abanika said that the illegal occupation of the housing units had compromised the National Housing Programme designed to provide affordable housing solutions for Nigerians.

He said that Phase I with 76 units, comprised four one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 48 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows and 24 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.

“Phase II has 92 units, comprising 20 one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 28 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 44 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.

“Phase III has 92 units, comprising 16 one-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, 28 two-bedroom semi-detached bungalows, and 48 three-bedroom semi-detached bungalows.

“Unfortunately, over 85 per cent of the houses in the various estates are currently being occupied illegally, with some individuals even selling the houses to unsuspecting buyers,’’ he said.

A real estate expert, Mr David Akeju, blamed high cost, economic instability, policy and regulatory issues, among others for the low patronage received by the estates.

Akeju said many of the houses were not affordable for the target market.

He said that the instability in Nigeria’s economy, including inflation, currency fluctuations and recession, had great effects on housing demand.

“Many potential home buyers in Nigeria face challenges in accessing mortgage finance or other forms of credit to purchase homes.

“Some of these housing projects may also be located in areas with inadequate infrastructure, such as roads, water supply, and electricity, making them less attractive to potential occupants.

“Some government-built or real estate developer-built houses may be located in remote areas, far from urban centers, for employment opportunities, and social amenities.

“In addition, the process of allocating or purchasing these houses may be slow and cumbersome, deterring potential buyers, as well as absence of effective policies and regulations,’’ he told NAN.

The real estate expert, however, said that addressing the challenges would require a multi-faceted approach that involves government, private sector and civil society organisations.

He said there was need for the Federal Government to develop and implement a comprehensive national housing policy that outlines its vision, goals and strategies for addressing the housing deficit.

“Government should also establish affordable housing programmes that provide subsidies, grants, or low-interest loans to low-income households.

“Governments at all levels must promote and encourage public-private partnerships to develop and finance housing projects,” he said.

Another housing expert, Mr Lawson Igwe, stressed the need to develop housing projects that are inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of income, age or ability.

Igwe also recommended that government should engage communities to identify their housing needs and develop community-led housing projects.

A tenant, Mr. Richard Femi, who resides at Phase One Estate Lokoja, decried the exorbitant hike in house rent in Lokoja in the last one year and urged government to regulate rent.

“Most of the houses built by government and real estate developers are just too high to afford for us as civil servants.

“Also, the conditions the developers are giving us are just too stringent to meet.

“Between 2021 and 2023, an average standard 2 bedroom flat in Lokoja, was in the range of N200,000 to N250,000, but as at 2024 and now, it is between N400,000 to N500,000.

“So, where do ordinary citizens, especially the civil servants like me, get this huge amount of money from and you said people should not steal?

“We are calling on government to immediately address the issue of exorbitant hike in house rent especially in Lokoja, because it is getting out of hand,” Femi said.

A landlord, Mr. Abubakar Usman, said the hike in house rent was due to the high cost of building materials arising from the devaluation of naira.

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The exit, which took place on Wednesday, marks a significant turning point for the region’s most influential political and trade bloc, coinciding with ECOWAS’ 50th anniversary this year.

The rupture follows a series of coups that have swept across the region, starting with Mali in 2020, followed by Burkina Faso in 2022, and Niger in July 2023. The ECOWAS bloc, which had initially threatened military intervention in Niger to reinstate its ousted president, imposed severe economic sanctions, which were later lifted.

These tensions escalated when the three countries, founding members of ECOWAS, announced their decision to withdraw in January 2024. However, ECOWAS rules required a one-year notice for the decision to take effect.

In response to their departure, the three countries have formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a new confederation aimed at strengthening political and economic ties within the region. This move has left ECOWAS grappling with its future direction and internal unity. Omar Alieu Touray, head of ECOWAS, emphasized the bloc’s commitment to keeping its doors open, stating that any state could rejoin the community at any time. “We look forward to those discussions,” he said at a press conference in Abuja.

Despite their exit, ECOWAS has assured that citizens of the three countries will continue to benefit from visa-free movement, residence, and establishment under existing protocols. Additionally, goods and services from the three countries will be treated in line with ECOWAS regulations until a new decision is reached.

The military leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have voiced their dissatisfaction with ECOWAS, accusing the group of failing to address security concerns such as jihadist uprisings and being overly aligned with France, the former colonial power. In a shift away from their historical ties with France, the three nations have sought military support from Russia, Iran, and Turkey.

As ECOWAS navigates this unprecedented withdrawal, several member states, including Togo and Ghana, have already normalized relations with the three countries. Ghana’s new president, John Mahama, has appointed a special envoy to the Alliance of Sahel States, signaling ongoing regional realignments.

The post Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso Officially Withdraw from ECOWAS Amid Rising Tensions appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

The Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS has approved the withdrawal of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso from the bloc from January 29, 2025.

It however gave the three countries up till July next year to reconsider their planned withdrawal from the regional bloc.

The communiqué read by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said “the authority takes note of the notification by Bukina Faso, Republic of Mali and the Republic of Niger of their decision to withdraw from ECOWAS.

“The authority acknowledges that in accordance with the provisions of Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS treaty, the three countries will officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from 29 January, 2025.

“The authority decides to set the period from 29 January, 2025 to 29 July 2025 as a transitional period and to keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries during the transition period.

“In this regard, the authority extends the mandate of President for Gnassingbé of a Togo, and President Faye of Senegal to continue their mediation rule up to the end of the transition period to bring the three member countries back to ECOWAS.

“Without prejudice, for the spirit of the opening, The Authority directs the President of the Commission to launch withdrawal formalities after the deadline of 29th January, 2025 and to draw up a contingency plan covering various areas.”

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The minister said his ministry was not afraid of taking big decisions and had wielded the big stick by terminating 10 contracts of erring companies.

Mr Umahi said this on Thursday in Akure during the Federal Ministry of Works Town Hall meeting/stakeholders’ engagement on the alignment of the Ondo State with the 63km segment of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway.

Mr Umahi exchanging pleasantries with Gov. Aiyedatiwa.

According to Mr Umahi, President Bola Tinubu is a gift to Nigeria by starting several legacy projects that would last beyond the current administration.

The minister said the Federal Government and the state government were committed to restoring Aiyetoro community that was currently battling sea incursion.

Mr Umahi also said that the road, which would pass through seven states, would open up new businesses.

He assured that the design for the section of the road in the state would be concluded in November.

“We have terminated over 10 contracts of big companies and we have the mind to terminate more and you can’t dictate to us, we will tell you what we want.

“Our books are very much open. We will conclude the design (for Ondo State) within the month of November and we will inaugurate it.

“We have directed that all federal road controllers should give us details of roads within their domain, whether awarded or not, so that by this Christmas, all federal high roads will be motorable.

“We are coming back after your election to start the Aiyetoro project, which we will construct after this one.

“Nigerians should be grateful that we have a listening President. He is committed to all sectors. This country still has a lot of potentials,” he said.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State commended Tinubu for always remembering the state when it comes to legacy projects.

Mr Aiyedatiwa, who said the project was not a political one, noted that the project had already started in other sections.

“He (Tinubu) is supporting us economically. I want to thank you for all the other projects in the country.

“This projects will be of huge benefit to us, that is why we are going to corporate with the Federal Government and the contractors,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman, House of Representatives’ Committee on Works, Akin Alabi, commended Tinubu for the initiative and the minister for working hard to get the desired results for Nigerian roads.

We at the House of Representatives are fully behind the President and the works minister.

“Our aim is that, we want Nigeria to work. We have to say bye-bye to the practice of contractors collecting money and not working.

”If contractor are not in site, don’t pay them, that’s one of the biggest scam in the ministry,” he said.

A representative of the Riverine communities, Banji Okunomo, appreciated President Tinubu for deeming it important to ensure the road pass through their domain.

Mr Okunomo noted that the 93 km shore line of the riverine areas had been so disconnected, urging them to deliver the project in stipulated time and assured of enabling environment to achieve the result.

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