ABUJA / LOMÉ — Nigeria’s role as the “powerhouse” of the West African sub-region was further solidified on Sunday, March 15, 2026, as the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) hosted a high-level delegation from Togo to discuss a significant increase in cross-border electricity supply.
The visiting team from Compagnie Energie Electrique du Togo (CEET), led by Director-General Débo‑K’mba Barandao, arrived in Abuja with a clear mission: to secure more power from Nigeria to fuel Togo’s surging industrial and commercial sectors.
A Proven Partnership: The 75MWh Foundation
Currently, Togo relies on a bilateral arrangement with NDPHC for approximately 75 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity. Barandao noted that this “imported light” has been the backbone of Togo’s recent economic stability, providing affordable energy to households and public institutions alike.
The Drivers of Togo’s New Demand:
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Industrial Surge: Rapid growth in Togo’s manufacturing sector.
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National Access Expansion: Government mandates to connect rural communities to the grid.
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Grid Reliability: NDPHC’s consistent supply has helped stabilize Togo’s national grid against local fluctuations.
The Vision: Sustainable Regional Trade
NDPHC Managing Director, Jennifer Adighije, reaffirmed Nigeria’s capacity to meet this increased demand. Operating under the National Integrated Power Project (NIPP), NDPHC manages several of Africa’s most modern thermal power plants, designed specifically with regional export potential in mind.
However, Adighije emphasized that the next phase of the partnership must be anchored on “bankable and sustainable” commercial frameworks.
Key Requirements for the Expanded Deal:
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Credible Financial Guarantees: Ensuring that cross-border payments are secure and timely.
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Structured Payment Mechanisms: Reducing the fiscal risks associated with international energy trade.
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WAPP Alignment: Ensuring the deal strengthens the West African Power Pool (WAPP) and ECOWAS energy goals.
“A reliable payment framework will safeguard NDPHC’s interests and enable continued support for regional energy stability,” Adighije stated.
Economic Diplomacy through the Grid
This move aligns with Nigeria’s broader 2026 trade strategy, which views electricity not just as a domestic utility, but as a strategic export. By exporting surplus power, Nigeria earns valuable foreign exchange while fostering political and economic stability among its neighbors.
Industry observers suggest that as the National Single Window (NSW) and other trade-facilitation tools go live this month, the “Energy Export” sector could become a significant contributor to the ₦14 trillion trade surplus narrative being tracked this year.
