Iyunade Grace
Togo is looking to increase its electricity imports from Nigeria through the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) to meet rising domestic demand. The country’s national electricity utility, Compagnie Energie Electrique du Togo (CEET), currently purchases about 75 megawatt-hours of electricity from NDPHC under a bilateral power supply arrangement.
This imported electricity has played a significant role in sustaining stable power supply and supporting economic activities across Togo, according to CEET’s Director-General, Débo-K’mba Barandao. The partnership has improved reliability within Togo’s national grid and strengthened regional energy cooperation.
Nigeria’s Managing Director of NDPHC, Jennifer Adighije, has expressed readiness to deepen cooperation and sustain electricity exports to neighboring countries in West Africa. She noted that NDPHC operates multiple plants under the National Integrated Power Project, with capacity to support increased regional electricity supply.
The proposed increase in electricity imports is expected to support Togo’s power expansion plans and ensure stable electricity for newly connected consumers nationwide. Electricity demand in Togo has surged due to new consumers, especially in industrial and commercial sectors, alongside government efforts to expand national access.
Adighije stressed that expanding electricity exports would require bankable and sustainable commercial arrangements, including credible financial guarantees and structured payment mechanisms to reduce risks associated with cross-border electricity trade. This aligns with broader regional efforts under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to strengthen electricity trade among member states.
Togo’s interest in increasing electricity imports from Nigeria reflects growing efforts among West African countries to deepen regional electricity trade and address persistent power shortages. Nigeria, despite its domestic challenges, exports electricity to fulfill long-term regional treaty obligations and earn foreign exchange.
The meeting between NDPHC and CEET was described as productive, with both parties reaffirming their commitment to strengthening electricity sector cooperation. They agreed to sustain engagements aimed at developing workable frameworks for increased electricity supply from Nigeria to Togo.
