The Federal Government has announced an ambitious plan to generate close to $1 billion annually through Electricity Exports to 15 countries across the West African region beginning in June 2026. This projection follows a successful grid integration exercise that marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s long-term goal of becoming the dominant power supplier in the sub-region.
Nigeria Targets Regional Power Market Expansion
According to Instablog9ja on X, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, the government’s confidence is tied to Nigeria’s current 600-megawatt export capacity, which was validated during a landmark grid synchronisation test conducted earlier this month. Adelabu revealed at a media briefing in Abuja that on November 8, 2025, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) coordinated a four-hour synchronisation of the national grid with 15 West African countries under the West African Power Pool (WAPP).
The exercise brought Nigeria’s system into perfect alignment with the power grids of Niger, Benin, Togo, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, and several other nations. For the first time, the entire network functioned at a single stable frequency for four uninterrupted hours, confirming Nigeria’s readiness to scale up its role as a power hub in the region.
First-Ever Seamless Power Flow Across West Africa
During the test, power flowed consistently from the Nigerian grid to other participating countries without any fluctuations. Engineers from TCN and WAPP described the achievement as a “turning point” for cross-border energy cooperation. The test demonstrated that the region could operate as one unified electricity market, opening the door for a long-term framework that supports cross-border trade.
Adelabu noted that this synchronisation was not an isolated trial but part of a phased plan to achieve full, permanent integration of West Africa’s power systems by June 2026. A second and more extensive 48-hour evaluation is already being scheduled to deepen the assessment of grid behaviour under sustained load-sharing conditions.
Electricity Exports Will Not Affect Local Supply, FG Assures Nigerians
Addressing public concerns, the Minister clarified that Electricity Exports will not compromise power availability within Nigeria. He explained that the country’s transmission network has a capacity of 8,500 megawatts, far more than what is currently utilized. Due to low energy demand from distribution companies, actual generation across the country rarely exceeds 5,000 megawatts, leaving approximately 3,500 megawatts unused.
This surplus energy, according to the Minister, puts Nigeria in a strong position to support neighbouring countries while gradually improving local supply through ongoing reforms.
Stronger Grid, Better Services for Citizens
Adelabu further highlighted that a more stable and synchronised grid would translate into better services for Nigerians. Improved power supply has direct implications for hospitals, clean water systems, schools, digital connectivity, and commercial operations. With reduced grid instability, essential services are expected to function more reliably, easing pressure on generators and lowering energy expenses for small businesses.
He added that the export revenue will be reinvested into strengthening Nigeria’s power value chain, including transmission expansion, metering, rural electrification, and renewable energy development.
Nigeria Opens Door to Investors as Power Demand Surges in the Region With demand for electricity rising rapidly across the West African sub-region, the Minister encouraged local and foreign investors to explore opportunities in power generation, gas supply, transmission infrastructure, and renewable energy. He explained that the growing interest from neighbouring countries makes the Electricity Exports initiative a viable long-term market, capable of attracting billions of dollars in investments.
Adelabu concluded by noting that the government remains committed to ensuring Nigeria becomes the anchor state for power distribution within ECOWAS, leveraging its abundant energy resources and strategic geographic position.