Nigeria is grappling with a fresh revenue headache in the power sector as Niger, Togo and Benin Republic owe the country about ₦25 billion in unpaid electricity bills, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has revealed.
In its Third Quarter (Q3) 2025 report, NERC disclosed that electricity generated in Nigeria and exported under bilateral international agreements to the three neighbouring countries attracted invoices amounting to $18.69 million within the period.
However, the commission noted that only $7.125 million was eventually remitted, leaving an outstanding debt of $11.56 million, equivalent to roughly ₦25 billion.
According to NERC, the shortfall represents a major loss in expected revenue from cross-border power supply arrangements, raising concerns about the sustainability of Nigeria’s electricity exports at a time when the domestic power sector is battling liquidity constraints.
The regulator warned that persistent defaults by international off-takers could further strain Nigerian power generation and distribution companies, which already face mounting operational and financial pressures.
The revelation has renewed calls for stricter enforcement of bilateral power agreements and improved payment security mechanisms to protect Nigeria’s interests in regional electricity trade.
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