Nigerians enjoy cheaper electricity tariff than Senegal, Togo, Benin – TCN

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Sule Abdulaziz, says energy costs are by far cheaper in Nigeria than in some neighbouring countries despite the hike in electricity tariffs.

Abdulaziz was responding to recent criticism by Nigerians, who claimed that neighbouring West African countries now enjoy cheaper and more constant power supply than Nigerians.

“Nigerians are getting 24-hour supply (daily), but not everybody—those people on Band A get 20 to 22 hours,” Abdulaziz said. “Nigerians are paying more because producing electricity is not easy. You can see the exchange rate.

“Electricity is now expensive in Nigeria. We feel it is expensive because we are getting it at a cheaper price. If you go to other African countries—go to Niger, Burkina Faso, or Senegal—Nigeria is still cheaper,” he said.

The TCN boss also explained why the country supplies 24-hour electricity to neighbouring countries such as Niger, Togo, and Benin Republic, while some parts of Nigeria still experience power outages.

Abdulaziz confirmed that these neighbouring West African countries enjoy regular power supply because they make prompt payments for the service they receive, just as some Nigerians on Band A can now boast of 22 hours’ supply.

“We supply power to Togo, Benin, and Niger. We supply them with power consistently. They get power from Nigeria on a 24-hour basis, and they’re paying.

“Nigerians are getting a 24-hour electricity supply. Not everybody—those in Band A. You’ll see that they get 20-22 hours. Nigerians are getting 24 hours.

“Every distribution company has Band A, and that is their priority,” he told Channels TV.