Nigeria and the Republic of Togo are exploring opportunities to strengthen cross-border electricity trade as both countries seek to improve energy security and expand regional power cooperation in West Africa.
Officials from Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) recently held discussions with representatives of Compagnie Energie Electrique du Togo (CEET), the national electricity utility of Togo, on expanding existing power supply arrangements between the two organisations.
The meeting focused on increasing electricity exports from Nigeria to support Togo’s growing power demand and the country’s ongoing efforts to expand electricity access to more households and businesses.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, CEET already sources electricity from NDPHC under a bilateral arrangement that contributes to stabilising power supply in the West African country.
However, Togo’s electricity demand has been rising in recent years as new residential, commercial and industrial users connect to the national grid.
The development has prompted the Togolese utility to explore options for increasing its electricity imports from Nigeria in order to maintain reliable supply and support economic activity.
During the engagement, representatives of the Togolese delegation highlighted the role Nigerian power exports have played in strengthening electricity reliability within the country’s power network.
They noted that cross-border electricity trade remains an important component of Togo’s strategy to diversify its energy sources and support long-term electricity expansion plans.
Responding to the request, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to strengthening regional power cooperation while supporting electricity exports to neighbouring countries.
Adighije explained that NDPHC operates several power generation facilities across Nigeria under the National Integrated Power Project and maintains the capacity to contribute to electricity supply beyond Nigeria’s borders.
She noted that expanding electricity trade within the West African sub-region aligns with broader efforts aimed at strengthening regional energy integration and improving power availability across multiple countries.
The NDPHC chief also emphasised the need for sustainable commercial arrangements to guide future electricity transactions between the two organisations.
According to her, structured payment frameworks and credible financial guarantees are essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of cross-border electricity supply agreements.
Energy analysts say regional electricity trade is increasingly becoming a critical strategy for addressing power shortages across West Africa, where many countries continue to face significant electricity deficits.
Through initiatives such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) power cooperation framework and the regional electricity grid, member states are working to promote energy integration and improve power distribution across the region.
Nigeria, which has one of the largest power generation capacities in West Africa, plays an important role in supplying electricity to neighbouring countries as part of these regional initiatives.
Expanding electricity exports could also help strengthen Nigeria’s position as a major energy hub within West Africa while supporting economic cooperation among countries in the sub-region.
