The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has disclosed that some international bilateral customers owe Nigeria’s electricity generation companies (GenCos) about $8.5 million in unpaid power supply for the second quarter of 2025.
According to the Commission’s latest quarterly report, the six foreign customers collectively paid $9.015 million out of the $17.54 million invoice issued to them for electricity purchased from Nigeria’s grid-connected GenCos, representing a remittance rate of 51.33 percent.
“In 2025/Q2, the six international bilateral customers purchasing power from the grid-connected GenCos made a cumulative payment of $9.015 million against the $17.54 million invoice issued to them by the Market Operator for services rendered in 2025/Q2,” NERC stated.
The report also revealed that domestic bilateral customers paid ₦1.401 billion out of a total invoice of ₦2.79 billion issued during the same period, representing a 50.10 percent remittance rate.
NERC noted that one domestic customer, Trans-Amadi (OAU/FMPI), made additional payments of ₦10.53 million during the quarter to clear arrears from previous billing cycles.
Ajaokuta Steel, host community owe over ₦1.3bn
The Commission further disclosed that Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited and its host community failed to make any payment for the ₦1.27 billion invoice issued to them by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc, as well as an additional ₦120 million owed to the Market Operator.
“The debt continues a longstanding trend of non-payment by this customer,” the Commission said, adding that it has formally communicated the need for intervention to the relevant Federal Government authorities.
NERC emphasized that all remittance data were based on reconciled market settlements submitted to the Commission as of September 30, 2025.
The regulator warned that continued defaults particularly from strategic customers such as Ajaokuta Steel could threaten the liquidity and operational stability of Nigeria’s power sector.
About the Author
