Business
Benin, Togo and Niger Owe Nigeria ₦17.45bn in Unpaid Electricity Bills
Electricity customers supplying Benin Republic, Togo and Niger Republic reportedly owe Nigeria about ₦17.45 billion for power supplied during the first quarter of 2026.
Nigeria is reportedly owed about ₦17.45 billion in unpaid electricity bills by international customers supplying power to Benin Republic, Togo and Niger Republic.
According to figures from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission’s quarterly report, the international bilateral customers were billed a combined $17.48 million for electricity services in the first quarter of 2026.
However, only $4.82 million was reportedly paid, representing a remittance performance of 27.57 per cent. The outstanding balance stood at $12.66 million, estimated at about ₦17.45 billion using the exchange rate cited in the report.
Some Customers Recorded Zero Payment
The report indicated that some international customers made no payment toward their current-quarter invoices.
Paras-SBEE, which supplies electricity to Benin Republic, reportedly paid nothing against a $1.94 million invoice, while Paras-CEET, which supplies Togo, recorded no payment against a $1.67 million bill.
Odukpani-CEET, another customer linked to electricity supply to Togo, also reportedly made no payment against its $2.29 million invoice.
Niger Customer Records Strongest Performance
Among the international customers listed, Mainstream-NIGELEC, which supplies electricity to Niger Republic, recorded the strongest payment performance.
The customer reportedly paid $2.79 million from a $4.45 million invoice, representing a remittance rate of 62.70 per cent.
Other customers serving Benin Republic made partial payments, including Transcorp-SBEE operations supplied from Ughelli and Afam.
Concerns Over Power Sector Liquidity
The outstanding international electricity debts come amid continuing concerns over liquidity in Nigeria’s power sector.
While international customers recorded weak payments for current invoices, the report also noted that some customers made payments toward debts accumulated in previous quarters.
The development is likely to renew public debate over electricity exports to neighbouring countries at a time when many Nigerian homes and businesses continue to face challenges with electricity supply.
