KEY POINTS
- Nigeria electricity export revenue may hit $1bn.
- Grid test strengthens West Africa power integration.
- Government says domestic supply stays protected.
Nigeria expects to earn nearly $1bn yearly from electricity exports to 15 West African countries starting June 2026. The projection is based on a full 600-megawatt export capacity billed at prevailing regional tariffs, following a historic grid synchronisation test earlier this month.
The Power Ministry said the trial showed that Nigeria and the wider West African network can now operate in a single, stable mode. Officials described it as the most successful attempt in decades.
Regional grid test boosts Nigeria electricity export revenue
The synchronisation test ran for four hours on November 8. Power flowed seamlessly between Nigeria, Niger, Benin and Togo and the broader West African Power Pool, linking grids in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Burkina Faso and others. The unified system held a steady frequency, proving operational readiness for cross-border trade.
Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu said a permanent synchronisation is planned for June 2026 after a second 48-hour test run. He noted that Nigeria has increased transmission wheeling capacity to 8,500MW, though low distribution demand keeps generation near 5,000MW.
Officials say the export plan could stabilise sector liquidity, reduce shortfalls and expand market opportunities. Based on regional tariffs of $0.19/kWh, exporting 600MW could generate about $114,000 per hour, or $998 million yearly. Nigeria’s domestic tariff averages $0.07/kWh, the cheapest in the region.
Policy advances support Nigeria electricity export revenue
The Nigerian Independent System Operator said the country now allocates 600MW to bilateral trade. Efforts to improve stability include expanded governor-control compliance, which rose from 20 percent to 60 percent. The system enables automatic response when a generator trips, preventing large disturbances.
Officials stressed that export commitments will not weaken domestic supply. Nigeria aims to strengthen hospitals, transport and digital systems through a more stable grid supported by regional connections.
The minister said stranded capacity of about 3,500MW shows Nigeria can scale exports without hurting local consumption. He added that investors remain welcome as demand grows across 14 neighbouring countries.
