Nigeria’s Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) recently announced via Nigerian Stories’ official X handle that the country is providing uninterrupted, 24-hour power supply to neighboring countries Togo and Benin. This bold move has raised eyebrows domestically, as millions of Nigerians still endure erratic power supply, leading to a critical question: why is Nigeria able to deliver consistent electricity to other nations while its citizens are left in the dark?
For years, Nigerians have wrestled with chronic power shortages, impacting everything from small businesses to large-scale industries. While the TCN’s announcement highlights Nigeria’s capacity to meet international energy demands, the reality at home tells a different story—frequent blackouts, unreliable electricity grids, and inflated utility costs.
Many Nigerians are expressing frustration, taking to social media to question the government’s priorities. They argue that the country should focus on stabilizing its domestic power sector before extending such luxury to its neighbors.
Experts point to mismanagement, outdated infrastructure, and insufficient investment in the local power sector as major factors behind Nigeria’s energy woes. Although the TCN’s cross-border energy supply is framed as part of Nigeria’s regional cooperation efforts, the disparity between the electricity available to Nigerians and that provided to other countries continues to stir public outcry.
As Nigeria continues to project its influence through energy diplomacy, the question remains: When will Nigerian citizens begin to benefit from the same level of electricity reliability they are extending across borders?
PIONEER NEWS 