Full meaning
African Union
Community of Sahel–Saharan States
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
Economic Community of West African States
Foreign direct investment
Gross domestic product
Inclining block tariff(s)
International Monetary Fund
Independent power producer
Kilowatt
Kilowatt hour
Liquid petroleum gas
Megawatt
Pay as you go
Power purchase agreement
Private public partnership
Standard and Poors Global Ratings
Sub-Saharan Africa
Transmission and distribution
Time of use
West African Economic and Monetary Union
United Nations Industrial Development Organization
Value added tax
World Bank Regulatory Indicators for Sustainable Energy
Projection for 2030
2017/2018 reporting year
SSA average includes South Africa. Calculation for SSA average and country data: Total consumption (2016) / total population (2016).
SSA average: 18%
This includes diesel, kerosene and gasoline subsidies.
Rates and tariffs were converted with the average exchange rate to the Euro in April 2020. Exchange rates available from ec.europa.eu
Rates and tariffs were converted with the average exchange rate to the Euro in April 2020. Exchange rates available from ec.europa.eu
Rates and tariffs were converted with the average exchange rate to the Euro in April 2020. Exchange rates available from ec.europa.eu
Energy Sector
Nigeria
Energy Sector
Investment Overview
Nigeria, as one of the largest economies on the continent, has substantial installed generation capacity of more than 13.5 GW. Compared to the country’s peak demand of 8.25 GW, generation should be able to adequately address the national demand. Yet in 2019 the available capacity only amounted to 3.7 GW.National electrification stands at 60% of the population, leaving 16 million households without access. The residential sub-sector consumes nearly 60% of total electricity generated, followed by commercial and public services which account for another quarter. Tariffs are low relative to many countries in the region at between €c4.5/kWh - €c6/kWh. A tariff hike scheduled for Q2 2020 was postponed to Q1 2021 in part as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Peak electricity demand is expected to grow to 15 GW by 2025 as more people become electrified and the economy grows. The government is targeting a 90% electrification rate by 2030, which will be supplied by an ambitious target of 45 GW of installed capacity in the same year.
Private sector involvement is actively encouraged in the Nigerian energy sector. With the exception of transmission, the government is making way for private sector stakeholders to participate in all electricity-related activities from policy-making to taking over state-owned companies, and to greenfield development. The Nigerian government is also proactively creating a more attractive investment environment by improving management, increasing transparency and reducing government and political interference in the sector.
In July 2016 Nigeria signed PPAs with 14 power projects ranging between 50 MW and 100 MW each. The total combined capacity of these projects amount to more than 1 GW. By 2019, none of them have reached financial close, and the government has proposed a renegotiation of tariffs.
Structure
Nigeria’s energy sector has, in recent years, undergone a concerted shift toward increased private sector involvement by targeting policies that govern the electricity market and its regulation. Even non-governmental stakeholders are encouraged to participate in the policy-making process. Reform and the actions that underpin it are squarely aimed at addressing the structural challenges of poor service, low availability and intermittent reliability.
Key components of the country’s process of inviting private participation are to create an investor-friendly environment, to reduce political interference and to establish strong central regulation.
Assets belonging to NEPA, the former energy authority, have been split into 18 seperate successor companies. The result was 11 distribution and 6 generation companies that were privatised, while the remaining transmission company remained wholly owned by the government. Management of the transmission company was however outsourced.
Nigeria boasts the second largest investment in IPPs in sub-Saharan Africa, after South Africa.
Generation companies (GenCos) include Afam Power, Sapele Power, Egbin Power, Ughelli Power, Kainji Power, Jebba Power and Shiroro Power. IPPs include Shell, Agip, AES, and Geometric Power.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) operates the transmission grids of Nigeria. The average capacity evacuated to distribution companies (DISCOs) during Q4 2019 was 2,868 MW. Transmission losses (from generation to DISCOs) amounted to 22%.
DISCOs operate regional distribution grids in Nigeria. During Q4 2019, total distribution losses across the DISCOs amounted to about 40%. The 11 DISCOs include Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Kano Electricity Distribution Company, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company and Yola Electricity Distribution Company. The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) is the holding company of the 11 regional distribution companies and the 6 generation companies.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is tasked with supporting the off-grid sector by reducing development costs through pre-identification of sites to be electrified and engagement with the respective local governments. It also supports regional distribution companies (DISCOs) in grid extension efforts. REA runs the "Energising Education" and "Energising Economies" initiatives, which focus on the electrification of educational facilities and commercial markets respectively.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the sole electricity transmission company, is fully government-owned and also a licensed operator.
DISCOs operate distribution grids in different states as per a licensing regime. While they have a mandate to extend their grids, extension over long distances is proving to be challenging for numerous reasons. They also authorise private minigrids. There are 11 DISCOs in Nigeria, namely: Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Kano Electricity Distribution Company, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company and Yola Electricity Distribution Company.
Generation companies include Afam Power, Egbin Power, Kainji Hydro-Electric, Sapele Power, Shiroro Hydro-Electric, and Ughelli Power. Electricity generated by these companies are sold to TCN via the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) company. The Federal Ministry of Power (formerly Ministry of Power, Works and Housing) is in charge of the energy sector.
The Federal Ministry of Environment enforces regulations pertaining to pollution and waste management, climate change and environmental standards. These include environmental compliance requirements such as environmental impact assessments.
The Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP) was established in 2010 to implement power sector reforms. The energy regulator is the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) set up in 2005. It regulates generation, transmission, distribution and sales of electricity.
The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency enforces NERC's technical standards (transmission, distribution, generation and metering), inspects electricity infrastructure and enforces compliance with safety measures. The Rural Electrification Fund (REF) affiliated with REA, funds renewable energy rural electrification projects. In 2017, it published the Rural Electrification Fund Operational Guidelines, which outlines the grant application and approval process.
The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) guides the strategic planning and coordination of the national policies. It enjoys wide representation from the ministries of power, trade, science and technology, external affairs and finance, among others. This gives it a strategic position in ensuring cooperation across ministries with a direct mandate and other powers which may indirectly affect the governance of the energy industry.
The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) offers a "One-Stop Investment Centre." This is an investment promotion instrument that assists companies with administrative procedures such as obtaining company registrations and energy generation licences.
The National Power Training Institute provides training for workers in the power sector and manages a number of regional training centres.
The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) promotes local content in the Nigerian renewable energy industry, raises public awareness for renewable energy and promotes renewable energy in general.
The Sustainable Energy Practitioners Association of Nigeria (SEPAN) promotes renewable energy in Nigeria by offering technical assistance services to the public- and private sectors and conducting research into opportunities for renewable energy.
The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors represents the 11 regional distribution companies (DISCOs) and promotes industry best practices and standards. It also performs stakeholder consultation on behalf of the DISCOs.
The Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN) promotes solar energy in Nigeria.
Key components of the country’s process of inviting private participation are to create an investor-friendly environment, to reduce political interference and to establish strong central regulation.
Assets belonging to NEPA, the former energy authority, have been split into 18 seperate successor companies. The result was 11 distribution and 6 generation companies that were privatised, while the remaining transmission company remained wholly owned by the government. Management of the transmission company was however outsourced.
Nigeria boasts the second largest investment in IPPs in sub-Saharan Africa, after South Africa.
Generation:
Generation companies (GenCos) include Afam Power, Sapele Power, Egbin Power, Ughelli Power, Kainji Power, Jebba Power and Shiroro Power. IPPs include Shell, Agip, AES, and Geometric Power.
Transmission:
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) operates the transmission grids of Nigeria. The average capacity evacuated to distribution companies (DISCOs) during Q4 2019 was 2,868 MW. Transmission losses (from generation to DISCOs) amounted to 22%.
Distribution:
DISCOs operate regional distribution grids in Nigeria. During Q4 2019, total distribution losses across the DISCOs amounted to about 40%. The 11 DISCOs include Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Kano Electricity Distribution Company, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company and Yola Electricity Distribution Company. The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) is the holding company of the 11 regional distribution companies and the 6 generation companies.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is tasked with supporting the off-grid sector by reducing development costs through pre-identification of sites to be electrified and engagement with the respective local governments. It also supports regional distribution companies (DISCOs) in grid extension efforts. REA runs the "Energising Education" and "Energising Economies" initiatives, which focus on the electrification of educational facilities and commercial markets respectively.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the sole electricity transmission company, is fully government-owned and also a licensed operator.
DISCOs operate distribution grids in different states as per a licensing regime. While they have a mandate to extend their grids, extension over long distances is proving to be challenging for numerous reasons. They also authorise private minigrids. There are 11 DISCOs in Nigeria, namely: Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Kano Electricity Distribution Company, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company and Yola Electricity Distribution Company.
Generation companies include Afam Power, Egbin Power, Kainji Hydro-Electric, Sapele Power, Shiroro Hydro-Electric, and Ughelli Power. Electricity generated by these companies are sold to TCN via the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) company. The Federal Ministry of Power (formerly Ministry of Power, Works and Housing) is in charge of the energy sector.
The Federal Ministry of Environment enforces regulations pertaining to pollution and waste management, climate change and environmental standards. These include environmental compliance requirements such as environmental impact assessments.
The Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP) was established in 2010 to implement power sector reforms. The energy regulator is the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) set up in 2005. It regulates generation, transmission, distribution and sales of electricity.
The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency enforces NERC's technical standards (transmission, distribution, generation and metering), inspects electricity infrastructure and enforces compliance with safety measures. The Rural Electrification Fund (REF) affiliated with REA, funds renewable energy rural electrification projects. In 2017, it published the Rural Electrification Fund Operational Guidelines, which outlines the grant application and approval process.
The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) guides the strategic planning and coordination of the national policies. It enjoys wide representation from the ministries of power, trade, science and technology, external affairs and finance, among others. This gives it a strategic position in ensuring cooperation across ministries with a direct mandate and other powers which may indirectly affect the governance of the energy industry.
The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) offers a "One-Stop Investment Centre." This is an investment promotion instrument that assists companies with administrative procedures such as obtaining company registrations and energy generation licences.
The National Power Training Institute provides training for workers in the power sector and manages a number of regional training centres.
The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) promotes local content in the Nigerian renewable energy industry, raises public awareness for renewable energy and promotes renewable energy in general.
The Sustainable Energy Practitioners Association of Nigeria (SEPAN) promotes renewable energy in Nigeria by offering technical assistance services to the public- and private sectors and conducting research into opportunities for renewable energy.
The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors represents the 11 regional distribution companies (DISCOs) and promotes industry best practices and standards. It also performs stakeholder consultation on behalf of the DISCOs.
The Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN) promotes solar energy in Nigeria.
Key Actors
Gridfinder Map
Transmission (OSM)
Distribution (predicted)
Electrification targets
Utility/distributor
The Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) is the holding company of the 11 regional distribution companies and the 6 generation companies.The Rural Electrification Agency (REA) is tasked with supporting the off-grid sector by reducing development costs through pre-identification of sites to be electrified and engagement with the respective local governments. It also supports regional distribution companies (DISCOs) in grid extension efforts. REA runs the "Energising Education" and "Energising Economies" initiatives, which focus on the electrification of educational facilities and commercial markets respectively.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the sole electricity transmission company, is fully government-owned and also a licensed operator.
DISCOs operate distribution grids in different states as per a licensing regime. While they have a mandate to extend their grids, extension over long distances is proving to be challenging for numerous reasons. They also authorise private minigrids. There are 11 DISCOs in Nigeria, namely: Abuja Electricity Distribution Company, Benin Electricity Distribution Company, Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company, Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Kano Electricity Distribution Company, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company and Yola Electricity Distribution Company.
Generation companies include Afam Power, Egbin Power, Kainji Hydro-Electric, Sapele Power, Shiroro Hydro-Electric, and Ughelli Power. Electricity generated by these companies are sold to TCN via the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) company.
Ministry (Ministries)
The Federal Ministry of Power (formerly Ministry of Power, Works and Housing) is in charge of the energy sector.The Federal Ministry of Environment enforces regulations pertaining to pollution and waste management, climate change and environmental standards. These include environmental compliance requirements such as environmental impact assessments.
The Presidential Task Force on Power (PTFP) was established in 2010 to implement power sector reforms.
Regulator
The energy regulator is the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) set up in 2005. It regulates generation, transmission, distribution and sales of electricity.The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency enforces NERC's technical standards (transmission, distribution, generation and metering), inspects electricity infrastructure and enforces compliance with safety measures.
Others
The Rural Electrification Fund (REF) affiliated with REA, funds renewable energy rural electrification projects. In 2017, it published the Rural Electrification Fund Operational Guidelines, which outlines the grant application and approval process.The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) guides the strategic planning and coordination of the national policies. It enjoys wide representation from the ministries of power, trade, science and technology, external affairs and finance, among others. This gives it a strategic position in ensuring cooperation across ministries with a direct mandate and other powers which may indirectly affect the governance of the energy industry.
The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) offers a "One-Stop Investment Centre." This is an investment promotion instrument that assists companies with administrative procedures such as obtaining company registrations and energy generation licences.
The National Power Training Institute provides training for workers in the power sector and manages a number of regional training centres.
The Renewable Energy Association of Nigeria (REAN) promotes local content in the Nigerian renewable energy industry, raises public awareness for renewable energy and promotes renewable energy in general.
The Sustainable Energy Practitioners Association of Nigeria (SEPAN) promotes renewable energy in Nigeria by offering technical assistance services to the public- and private sectors and conducting research into opportunities for renewable energy.
The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors represents the 11 regional distribution companies (DISCOs) and promotes industry best practices and standards. It also performs stakeholder consultation on behalf of the DISCOs.
The Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN) promotes solar energy in Nigeria.
Tariffs
Tariff components
Consumption Charge (€/ kWh):
€0.05
LV: <1kV
Tariffs have not been raised since 2015. 2020 upward adjustment postponed to Q1 2021.
LV: <1kV
Tariffs have not been raised since 2015. 2020 upward adjustment postponed to Q1 2021.
Tax (%):
7.5% VAT
LV: <1kV
Tariffs have not been raised since 2015. 2020 upward adjustment postponed to Q1 2021.
LV: <1kV
Tariffs have not been raised since 2015. 2020 upward adjustment postponed to Q1 2021.
Consumption Charge (€/ kWh):
€0.06
MV: 1kV
MV: 1kV
Tax (%):
7.5% VAT
MV: 1kV
MV: 1kV
N/A
HV: >132kV
Tariffs have not been raised since 2015. 2020 upward adjustment postponed to Q1 2021.
Tariffs have not been raised since 2015. 2020 upward adjustment postponed to Q1 2021.
Average retail tariff by consumption category
Average LV
4.6
Residential (average of the Residential 1, 2 and 3 (R1, R2, R3) categories across the 11 discos)
3.7
Commercial (average of the Commercial 1 and 2 (C1, C2) categories across the 11 discos)
5.2
Industrial (average of the Industrial 1 and 2 (D1, D2) categories across the 11 discos)
5.5
Special (average of the Special 1 and 2 (A1, A2) categories across the 11 discos)
4.8
Street lighting (average of the Street Lighting (S1) category across the 11 discos)
4
Note
LV: <1kV
Tariffs have not been raised since 2015. 2020 upward adjustment postponed to Q1 2021.
Tariffs have not been raised since 2015. 2020 upward adjustment postponed to Q1 2021.
Average MV
5.9
Residential (Average of the R4 category across the 11 discos)
6.6
Commercial (Average of the C3 category across the 11 discos)
5.9
Industrial (Average of the D3 category across the 11 discos)
6.3
Special (Average of the A3 category across the 11 discos)
4.9
Note
MV: 1kV
Tariffs have not been raised since 2015. 2020 upward adjustment postponed to Q1 2021.
Tariffs have not been raised since 2015. 2020 upward adjustment postponed to Q1 2021.
N/A
Note
HV: >132kV
Tariffs have not been raised since 2015. 2020 upward adjustment postponed to Q1 2021.
Tariffs have not been raised since 2015. 2020 upward adjustment postponed to Q1 2021.
Is the retail electricity tariff subject to periodic review?
YesNigeria follows a Multi-Year Tariff Order (MYTO) model, which provides a 15-year tariff path with minor reviews annually to reflect certain parameters (inflation, interest- & exchange rates, capacity) and major reviews every 5 years.
The countries latest tariff revision was was approved in October 2019 and was supposed to be enacted in April 2020, but is being postponed indefinitely as a result of Coronavirus. The previous tariff adjustment was approved in 2015 and enacted in early 2016.
Quality standards
Nigeria has been the first country to adopt the Quality Assurance Framework (QAF) for minigrids. This framework includes guidelines on data reporting, service quality standards and incorporates customer protection recommendations. The data is viewable on the Odyssey Energy Solutions website and provides government agencies (including NERC and REA) with a data-based monitoring and evaluation platform for the national sector. It also includes best practice guidelines for start-up minigrid developers and macro indicators for donor agencies to monitor the efficacy of their interventions.
The energy regulator, NERC, enforces the Nigerian Electricity Supply and Installation Standards Regulations of 2015. It consists of detailed technical standards for transmission, distribution and generation infrastructure. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has a range of energy related standards in force. Electrical and renewable energy standards are developed by the electrotechnical technical committee. Relevant standard categories include SON/TC 085 (Electric lamps and wiring accessories), SON/TC 086 (Switchgear and distribution equipment), SON/TC 087 (Extra low voltage equipment), SON/TC 092 (Renewable Energy and Energy Management), SON/TC 092/SC 01 (Biogas), SON/TC 092/SC 02 (Solar and Wind Technologies), SON/TC 092/SC 03 (Hydropower) and SON/TC 092/SC 05 (Bioenergy). SON has also developed standards for clean cookstoves, namely the Standard for Clean Cookstoves Part 1: Biomass Type.
The energy regulator, NERC, enforces the Nigerian Electricity Supply and Installation Standards Regulations of 2015. It consists of detailed technical standards for transmission, distribution and generation infrastructure. The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has a range of energy related standards in force. Electrical and renewable energy standards are developed by the electrotechnical technical committee. Relevant standard categories include SON/TC 085 (Electric lamps and wiring accessories), SON/TC 086 (Switchgear and distribution equipment), SON/TC 087 (Extra low voltage equipment), SON/TC 092 (Renewable Energy and Energy Management), SON/TC 092/SC 01 (Biogas), SON/TC 092/SC 02 (Solar and Wind Technologies), SON/TC 092/SC 03 (Hydropower) and SON/TC 092/SC 05 (Bioenergy). SON has also developed standards for clean cookstoves, namely the Standard for Clean Cookstoves Part 1: Biomass Type.
Electrification rates
% National electrification rate
2018
% Rural electrification rate
2018
% Urban electrification rate
2018
Total installed capacity (MW)
2030
45,000
2018
13,537.75
Peak demand (MW)
2025
15000
2018
8250
Electricity consumption by sector (MWh), 2017
Commercial & Public Services
6489.54
Residential
15153.89
Industrial
4128.65
Per capita electricity consumption (kWh/person)
2016
132.93
SSA average (2016)
365.6
Electricity and petroleum product subsidies (% of GDP)
Electricity subsidies, 20170.06%
€211,456,800.00
Petroleum product subsidies, 2017
1.87%
€6,202,732,800.00