Nigeria's 24-Hour Electricity Supply To Neighboring Countries: Insights From TCN

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced that Nigeria supplies 24-hour electricity to its neighboring countries. This pivotal development underscores Nigeria's role as a significant power provider in West Africa, extending its energy resources to Togo, Benin Republic, and Niger Republic. According to Sule Abdulaziz, the CEO of TCN, this consistent power supply serves as a testament to Nigeria's capabilities in managing its electricity sector despite the challenges faced domestically.

During a recent appearance on Sunday Politics aired on Channels Television, Abdulaziz emphasized that Togo, Benin, and Niger benefit from a reliable power supply sourced from Nigeria. He stated, “We supply Togo, we supply Benin and Niger. Yes, they get power from Nigeria on a 24-hour basis and they are paying.” This statement highlights Nigeria's commitment to maintaining energy agreements with its neighbors, which is crucial for regional stability and development.

Nevertheless, the announcement comes at a time when Nigeria is grappling with significant challenges in its own electricity supply. Reports indicate that the national grid collapsed three times within a week, leading to widespread blackouts across the country. This situation raises questions about the sustainability of the domestic power supply, especially for the citizens who are not receiving the same level of reliability as the neighboring countries benefiting from Nigeria's electricity export.

Electricity Supply for Nigerians: Who Benefits?

The CEO of TCN, Sule Abdulaziz, noted that while Nigeria is exporting electricity to neighboring countries, not all Nigerians enjoy the same level of service. He pointed out that certain segments of the population, specifically those classified in Band A, receive a steadier supply of electricity. Abdulaziz mentioned, “Nigerians are getting 24-hour supply; it’s not everybody. Those people that are in band A, you will see that they get 20 to 22 hours.” This indicates a disparity in electricity access among Nigerians, where some citizens benefit more than others.

Band A residents are prioritized by electricity distribution companies, which are expected to provide them with at least 18 to 22 hours of power per day. This prioritization raises concerns about how electricity is distributed across different demographics within Nigeria. The implications of such disparities could affect economic activities and overall quality of life for those in lower bands who struggle with frequent power outages.

Addressing the National Grid Collapse

The frequent collapses of Nigeria's national grid have sparked concerns among citizens regarding the management of the electricity sector. These failures underscore the urgent need for structural changes and improvements in infrastructure. Abdulaziz highlighted that aging infrastructure is a key contributor to the recurring grid failures, stating, “Presently, we are doing the scatter system for the whole network and it is funded by the World Bank, and the project will take two years to be completed, and now, we have done 70% of the project.”

This scatter system aims to enhance the reliability of the national grid and minimize disturbances. Abdulaziz further noted that the project is nearing completion, having achieved 70% progress, and this development is expected to significantly improve the stability of electricity supply across Nigeria, ultimately benefiting all citizens.

Government Efforts for Stable Power Supply

In light of these challenges, the Federal Government is actively working to ensure a consistent and sustainable power supply throughout Nigeria. Adebayo Adelabu, the Minister of Power, recently reaffirmed this commitment during an inspection of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company's Calabar power plant. He stated that the government is collaborating to foster growth in the electricity industry to achieve electrical stability across the nation.

Adelabu's assurance comes at a critical time when Nigerians are looking for reliable solutions to the ongoing electricity issues. The government's proactive stance and infrastructure investments are crucial steps towards addressing the concerns of citizens and ensuring equitable access to electricity throughout the country.

For more insights and updates on Nigeria's electricity sector, readers are encouraged to stay informed and engaged with ongoing developments in the field.