This archive report was first published on 16 December 2019.
On December 16, 2019, Nigeria's power utilities faced a significant challenge as the country's Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Mr Usman Mohammed, announced plans to cut electricity supply to neighbors Togo and Niger due to a $16 million debt.
The debt, which has been reduced from $100 million in the past couple of years, stands at $2 million for Niger and $14 million for Togo. Mr Mohammed stated that supply to the two countries had already been restricted, and that they should either pay the debts or face disconnection.
‘Electricity is not charity,’ Mr Mohammed emphasized, highlighting the need for the countries to pay commercial rates for the supply. Nigeria supplies 300 megawatts of electricity to Togo, Benin, and Niger.
The TCN is grappling with poor infrastructure, which has hindered the smooth operations of Generating Companies (GENCOs) and Distribution Companies (DISCOs). The firms require money to upgrade infrastructure in response to increasing demand at home and abroad.
