Nigeria Owes $17. 8 Million in Electricity Debt to Neighboring Countries. Lagos, Nigeria — Nigeria has disclosed a substantial electricity debt totaling $17.
8 million owed by neighboring West African nations, according to recent reports.
The debt, which amounts to over N25 billion at current exchange rates, is attributed to electricity supplied under bilateral agreements between Nigeria and Togo, Niger, and Benin.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) revealed this in its Third Quarter 2025 report, indicating that $18.
69 million was billed for electricity supplied, with only $7. 13 million paid, leaving an unpaid balance of $11.
56 million.
The unpaid electricity bills stem from energy consumed under existing cross — border power agreements, adding an economic burden to Nigeria’s power sector, which has already been addressing significant challenges, including financing and infrastructure issues. Regional officials confirmed that the debt is a concern for Nigeria’s power sector, which relies on cross-border trade to augment its energy supply.
The situation underscores the complexities of regional energy cooperation and the financial implications for all parties involved.
Further details regarding possible solutions or negotiations to resolve the debt are not immediately available.
However, the issue is expected to be a topic of discussion among regional energy stakeholders in the coming days.
According to regional officials, the debt could impact future electricity trade agreements and necessitate a review of current bilateral arrangements.
Source: Nigeria owed $17. 8 million by Togo Niger Benin for electricity — mediatalkafrica.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
