Energy cooperation in West Africa is quietly entering a new phase as Togo seeks to increase electricity imports from Nigeria to support its growing economy and rising demand for power.
During a recent engagement in Abuja, officials from Togo’s state electricity company met executives of Nigeria’s Niger Delta Power Holding Company to explore expanding their existing supply agreement. The talks underline a wider shift toward stronger regional electricity trade within West Africa.
Sources familiar with the discussions confirmed that Togo already imports about 75 megawatt-hours from Nigeria through a bilateral supply arrangement. The electricity helps sustain homes, industries and government facilities across the country.
However, pressure on Togo’s national grid has grown in recent months. New industrial customers and expanding electrification programmes have increased demand beyond current supply levels.
Energy analysts say this explains the fresh push for increased cross-border electricity supply from Nigeria to Togo.
During the Abuja meeting, the Director-General of Togo’s electricity utility highlighted how the partnership has helped stabilise the country’s grid. He noted that the arrangement supports businesses and keeps power flowing to new consumers entering the network.
He explained that demand has climbed as the government expands electricity access in rural and urban areas. According to him, additional imports would strengthen reliability for households and industries. He added that the utility hopes to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in order to secure long-term electricity supply for economic growth in Togo.
Nigeria’s power authorities appear open to the idea. Officials from the Niger Delta Power Holding Company confirmed their readiness to expand exports under the National Integrated Power Project framework.
The company operates several power plants across Nigeria and has long promoted regional power trading through the West African energy market.
The Managing Director of the power company said the partnership reflects wider regional efforts to strengthen electricity trade among West African nations. She emphasised that energy integration remains key to improving power availability across borders.
However, the company also stressed the need for structured commercial agreements before expanding supply. She explained that stable payment frameworks and financial guarantees are necessary for any new arrangement.
According to her, the company is ready to increase electricity exports if a sustainable payment system is established. She noted that credible financial arrangements would reduce the risks linked to cross-border electricity trading in West Africa.
Energy experts say the conversation reflects a broader trend across the region. Countries with limited generation capacity increasingly rely on neighbours with surplus electricity.
Nigeria remains one of the largest potential suppliers because of its installed generation capacity under the National Integrated Power Project.
A technical comparison between the two countries highlights the situation clearly. Nigeria’s installed capacity runs into several gigawatts, although actual delivery fluctuates due to grid constraints. Togo, by contrast, relies heavily on imports and smaller generation facilities. This gap explains why increased electricity imports from Nigeria remain critical for Togo’s power expansion plans.
Regional energy analysts also point out that cross-border electricity trading in West Africa is becoming more strategic. It allows countries to balance shortages and improve reliability without building expensive new plants immediately.
From an economic perspective, the arrangement could benefit both nations. Nigeria gains additional revenue from electricity exports within the West African power market, while Togo secures stable energy for businesses and industries.
Officials involved in the talks described the meeting as productive and forward-looking. Both sides agreed to continue discussions aimed at creating workable frameworks for expanding electricity supply.
For observers of regional energy policy, the message is clear. West Africa’s power future will depend increasingly on cooperation, infrastructure links and reliable commercial structures.
If negotiations succeed, the planned expansion of Nigeria power exports to neighbouring West African countries could become a model for deeper regional energy integration.
