Why does Nigeria supply 24-hour electricity to neighboring countries while its citizens endure chronic power outages? This glaring contradiction was underscored by Sule Abdulaziz, the CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), who stated, “We supply power to Togo, Benin, and Niger. They get power from Nigeria on a 24-hour basis and they’re paying.”
This irony reveals a troubling reality where foreign nations benefit from stable electricity while millions of Nigerians struggle with inconsistent power supply.
The root of this paradox lies in systemic corruption within Nigeria’s power sector. From government officials to private distribution companies (Discos), corruption hampers effective service delivery.
Discos often inflate bills without proper metering, exploiting consumers who are forced to pay for unreliable electricity. Despite assurances of improvements, the reality remains that many Nigerians receive only a fraction of the power supplied to neighboring countries.
Key issues contributing to this crisis include inadequate infrastructure and poor regulatory oversight. The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has been criticized for failing to enforce regulations that protect consumers from exploitation.
Despite receiving significant loans aimed at revitalizing the power sector, little progress has been made in translating these funds into improved service delivery. As a result, many areas remain unmetered and reliant on estimated billing systems.
Moreover, the TCN’s recent statement highlights ongoing challenges in the electricity value chain, including inadequate gas supply and poor coordination among generation plants.
Nafisat Ali, TCN’s Executive Director, noted that “the causes of grid collapse in Nigeria spread across all participants,” indicating that systemic failures affect every level of the power sector. These inefficiencies not only hinder local electricity access but also raise questions about the sustainability of exporting power abroad.
The irony of Nigeria supplying reliable electricity abroad while its citizens suffer from chronic shortages underscores deep-rooted issues within its power sector.
Addressing corruption, ensuring accountability, and investing in infrastructure are essential steps toward creating a more equitable energy landscape. Without these reforms, the cycle of mismanagement will likely continue, leaving millions of Nigerians without the reliable power they deserve.