Nigeria’s Electricity Export To Benin Republic Hits $66m – Independent Newspaper Nigeria

By Pune Media On Sep 11, 2025

ABUJA – In a significant boost to Nigeria’s energy sector revenue, the country’s electricity exports to Benin Republic have reached an impressive $66 million for the fiscal year ending early 2025, according to recent data from by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN).

Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General of the ECN, explained during a recent interview that the exports represent only about 6% of Nigeria’s total electricity generation, primarily sourced from hydroelectric plants along shared border rivers.

“This is not just a commercial venture; it’s a strategic imperative,” Abdullahi stated. “Historical agreements with Benin Republic, including those averting potential disputes over dam constructions, have locked in these supplies to foster regional stability and prevent disruptions to our own hydropower resources.”

He noted that without these exports, bilateral tensions could escalate, potentially impacting Nigeria’s access to vital water resources for power generation.

This milestone underscores Nigeria’s pivotal role as a regional power supplier amid ongoing domestic challenges in electricity generation and distribution.

The figure, which reflects payments received and invoiced volumes under bilateral agreements, marks a notable increase from the $63.7 million recorded in 2022, highlighting growing demand from Benin’s energy-deficient grid.

Officials attribute the surge to expanded transmission capacities and strategic negotiations that have ensured stable supply lines, even as Nigeria grapples with its own power shortages affecting over 85 million citizens.

The value of electricity exports from Nigeria reached approximately $112 million as of early 2025, with primary export destinations being the neighbouring countries of Benin and Niger.

Nigeria also exported around $46 million to Niger, reflecting significant growth in the sector despite ongoing domestic power supply challenges.

Additionally, Nigeria exported electricity worth about N181.62 billion (roughly $400 million depending on exchange rates) to West African countries including Togo, Benin, and Niger Republic from January to September 2024.

In 2023, Nigeria’s total electricity export value was around $170 million, mainly to Benin, Niger, and Togo.

These figures highlight Nigeria’s role as a regional electricity provider while also pointing to concerns about its domestic power supply stability and infrastructure

According to the information obtained from International Trade Centre (ITC)’s website, Nigeria is currently exporting electricity to two neighbouring African nations: the Republic of Benin and Niger.

However, experts say there remains an unrealised export potential of $16m.

Similarly, electricity exports to Niger were valued at $46m, with the potential for $51m in exports, leaving an unrealised potential of $4.1m.

“The products with greatest export potential from Nigeria to Benin are electrical energy, Urea, and Bars & rods of iron/ steel,” the ITC noted.

It also highlighted that the largest absolute difference between potential and actual exports was in electrical energy, with an additional $4.1m in exports still unrealised.

The ITC further indicated that Nigeria’s exports to Niger include electrical energy, Portland cement, and soups, broths and preparations.

While the export data paints a picture of growth in the sector, concerns remain about the state of electricity supply in Nigeria.

The Executive Director of the Electricity Consumer Protection Advocacy Centre, Chief Princewill Okorie, questioned the country’s priorities.

He said: “Are the electricity companies in those countries they export electricity to serve the consumers the way they serve Nigerian consumers? We cannot be celebrating electricity export when at home in Nigeria we are experiencing blackout and extortion in violation of our consumer protection laws. A good parent first takes care of his home before caring for outsiders.”