The Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc has revealed that only N60 million was released from the N858 billion approved in its 2025 capital budget, raising fresh concerns about funding gaps in the power sector.
Acting Managing Director Johnson Akinnawo disclosed this during the agency’s budget performance review before the Senate Committee on Finance. He said the limited release severely restricted NBET’s ability to meet its financial obligations to generation companies.
According to him, the wide gap between the cost of generating electricity and the tariffs approved for consumers continues to strain the market. NBET relies on payments from distribution companies and federal support to bridge shortfalls, but delayed or inadequate releases have weakened liquidity across the value chain.
The N60 million was released late in the year and could not be deployed due to procurement constraints, further compounding the agency’s challenges.
NBET plays a central role in Nigeria’s electricity market by purchasing power from generation companies and selling to distribution firms while guaranteeing payments. However, persistent non-cost-reflective tariffs and mounting debts have increased financial pressure.
Industry stakeholders warn that without improved funding and stronger policy support, the liquidity crisis could deepen, threatening power supply stability nationwide.
