The Managing Director and CEO of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Sule Abdulaziz, revealed that Nigeria continues to provide 24-hour electricity to neighbouring countries Togo, Benin, and Niger despite domestic challenges, including the recent national grid collapse.
Speaking on Channels TV’s Politics Tonight programme on Sunday, Abdulaziz said, “We supply Togo, Benin, and Niger. They get power from Nigeria on a 24-hour basis, and they are paying for it.”
When asked why many Nigerians do not enjoy similar uninterrupted power, Abdulaziz explained, “Nigerians are getting 24-hour supply, but it’s not everyone.
“Those in Band A receive 20-22 hours of power supply.”
Abdulaziz expressed optimism about the country’s power supply situation, stating, “I am telling you we can get consistent power supply in less than five years.
“The new minister is looking at the problems; he is not doing cosmetic showdowns.”
He emphasised that grid collapses are not solely the fault of TCN, explaining, “If there is a system collapse, it doesn’t mean all the problems are from TCN; it can be from generation, it can be from transmission, it can be from distribution… TCN are in charge of managing the grid.”
He also clarified the distinction between the TCN and the defunct National Electric Power Authority (NEPA), stating, “People have to understand the difference between TCN and Nepa.
“When we were Nepa, we were the ones doing the generation, transmission, distribution, and marketing. But now we are only doing one leg, which is transmission. But there could be issues in all other sectors.”
Abdulaziz further highlighted infrastructure challenges, noting that much of the equipment used by TCN is outdated. “Most of the equipment we use is over 50 years old,” he said.
On the issue of electricity costs, he argued that electricity in Nigeria remains relatively affordable compared to other African nations, saying, “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… Nigeria is cheaper.”
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