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In a surprising announcement, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has confirmed that Nigeria is providing uninterrupted 24-hour electricity to neighboring countries Togo and Benin. This revelation comes amidst ongoing concerns over frequent power outages within Nigeria itself.
TCN’s Assurance
During an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Tonight, TCN Managing Director Sule Abdulaziz stated, “We supply Togo, Benin, and Niger. They receive power from Nigeria on a 24-hour basis, and they are paying for it.” This statement highlights the stark contrast between the reliable power supply enjoyed by these neighboring nations and the inconsistent electricity experienced by many Nigerians.
Abdulaziz explained that while some Nigerians benefit from improved electricity access, not everyone enjoys the same level of service. He noted that customers are categorized into tiers:
- Band A: Receives 20-24 hours of electricity daily.
- Band B: Receives 16-20 hours.
- Band C: Receives 12-16 hours.
He emphasized that those in Band A are prioritized for consistent power supply.
Ongoing Challenges in Nigeria
Despite the positive news for Togo and Benin, many Nigerians continue to face challenges with electricity supply. Recent reports indicate that the national grid has collapsed multiple times in recent weeks, leading to widespread blackouts across various states. Abdulaziz addressed these issues by clarifying that system collapses are not solely the fault of TCN. “A system collapse doesn’t mean it’s entirely TCN’s fault. It could be due to issues in generation, transmission, or distribution,” he explained.
He also pointed out that much of Nigeria’s electrical infrastructure is outdated, with many pieces of equipment over 50 years old. This aging infrastructure contributes to the ongoing challenges faced by the power sector.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, Abdulaziz expressed optimism about improvements in Nigeria’s electricity supply. “I am optimistic we can achieve a consistent power supply in less than five years,” he stated, noting that the new minister is focused on addressing the root causes of these issues rather than implementing superficial fixes.
He also sought to clarify the distinction between TCN and the now-defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), stating that while NEPA was responsible for generation, transmission, and distribution, TCN currently focuses solely on transmission.
Conclusion
As Nigeria continues to grapple with its internal power supply challenges, the ability to provide reliable electricity to neighboring countries like Togo and Benin raises questions about resource allocation and management within the country. The TCN’s commitment to improving domestic electricity access remains crucial as citizens hope for a more stable and consistent power supply in the near future.
