Togo Explores Increased Electricity Imports from Nigeria to Address Rising Power Demand
In a strategic move to bolster its national power supply, Togo is actively exploring plans to significantly increase electricity imports from Nigeria's Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC). This initiative aims to meet the West African nation's escalating energy demands and extend stable electricity distribution to newly connected consumers across the country.
Strengthening Cross-Border Energy Collaboration
The proposal was thoroughly discussed during a high-level meeting between the management of NDPHC and a delegation from Compagnie Energie Electrique du Togo (CEET), Togo's national electricity utility. The Togolese delegation, led by CEET's Director-General, Débo-K'mba Barandao, visited NDPHC to reinforce existing collaboration and explore opportunities for expanding cross-border electricity trade between the two nations.
Currently, CEET, headquartered in Lomé, purchases approximately 75 megawatt-hours of electricity from NDPHC through a bilateral arrangement. Officials have confirmed that this imported electricity has played a crucial role in maintaining stable power distribution in Togo, supporting various economic activities, and providing reliable and affordable electricity to households, businesses, and public institutions.
Addressing Growing Electricity Needs
During the meeting, Barandao commended NDPHC for its consistent electricity delivery, noting that the partnership has significantly enhanced power reliability within Togo's national grid. He described the relationship between both organizations as mutually beneficial and emphasized its role in strengthening regional energy cooperation across West Africa.
Barandao explained that electricity demand in Togo has surged in recent months due to the connection of new customers, including industrial and commercial users. Simultaneously, the Togolese government is intensifying efforts to expand electricity access nationwide, making increased imports from Nigeria a strategic priority.
In response, CEET expressed strong interest in boosting the volume of electricity it receives from NDPHC. This increase is intended to support Togo's national power expansion plans and ensure a reliable supply to newly connected consumers, forming a key component of the country's broader strategy to secure diversified and dependable power sources for its national grid.
Commitment to Regional Energy Integration
Jennifer Adighije, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NDPHC, reaffirmed the company's commitment to deepening cooperation with CEET and supporting electricity exports to neighboring countries. She noted that NDPHC, which operates several power plants across Nigeria under the National Integrated Power Project, possesses the capacity to support regional electricity supply and remains dedicated to promoting energy integration within West Africa.
Adighije highlighted that this partnership aligns with broader regional initiatives aimed at boosting electricity trade among member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and improving power availability across the sub-region. While expressing readiness to increase electricity exports to Togo, she emphasized the necessity for robust and sustainable commercial frameworks to guide future transactions between the two organizations.
Ensuring Sustainable Commercial Frameworks
Adighije stressed that credible financial guarantees and structured payment systems are essential to minimize payment risks often associated with cross-border electricity supply and ensure the long-term viability of the partnership. A dependable payment structure would protect NDPHC's commercial interests while enabling the company to continue supporting regional energy stability through electricity exports.
Both parties described the meeting as highly productive and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in the electricity sector. They also agreed to continue engagements aimed at developing workable frameworks for expanding electricity supply from Nigeria to Togo.
If implemented, the proposed increase in electricity imports could further deepen energy cooperation between Nigeria and Togo, supporting improved electricity access and fostering economic development across the West African region. This collaboration exemplifies the growing importance of regional energy partnerships in addressing power challenges and driving sustainable growth in Africa.
