The International Trade Centre has revealed that Nigeria’s electricity exports have reached a value of $112m.
According to the ITC’s website, Nigeria is currently exporting electricity to two neighbouring African nations: the Republic of Benin and Niger.
As of January 18, 2025, Nigeria’s electricity exports to Benin amounted to $66m, with a potential export value of $82m.
However, 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, 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.”
He further criticised the export of electricity, questioning whether the money generated was benefiting the Nigerian power sector.
“Is it the wellbeing of Nigerians that is more important or the money generated from export of electricity? If such money is generated, why not inject it into electricity when they are telling us they lack liquidity? What sense does it make for our local industries and economy to be dying because of electricity while export is building other countries’ economies?” Okorie asked.
He added that Nigeria’s economic struggles, including the exodus of professionals and youths, were exacerbated by power shortages, questioning the rationale behind celebrating electricity exports under these conditions.
“It is a shame. Charity begins at home. Let them also explain what the money has been used for when we keep borrowing from the World Bank,” he added.
Meanwhile, the President of the Nigeria Consumer Protection Network, Kunle Olubiyo, has also expressed concern over the country’s insufficient investment in renewable energy.
He emphasised the growing gap between Nigeria’s power generation and global advancements in clean energy.
“We need to move beyond token investments if we are serious about reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and addressing power shortages,” Olubiyo said.
“If we don’t act decisively, we risk being left behind in the global energy transition,” he warned, urging the government to prioritise substantial funding and strategic policies for the renewable energy sector.
While electricity exports continue to grow, experts underscore the broader challenges Nigeria faces in ensuring adequate power supply for its citizens and the need for deeper investments in clean energy solutions.
