Nigeria slashes power supply to Niger Republic

The Federal Government of Nigeria has slashed electricity exports to neighbouring Niger Republic by 42 per cent, cutting the supply from 80 megawatts (MW) to just 46MW.

This move has severely impacted power generation in the junta-led country, prompting blackouts and forcing citizens to increasingly rely on solar energy alternatives.

Niger’s Energy Minister, Haoua Amadou, disclosed this in an interview with AFP, attributing the deepening energy crisis to Nigeria’s supply cut and ongoing sanctions following the July 2023 military coup that ousted President Mohamed Bazoum.

“The supply has resumed, but Nigeria now delivers only 46 megawatts instead of the usual 80,” Minister Amadou confirmed, adding that the current output is inadequate to meet the country’s energy demand. She noted that despite efforts to boost local generation, the country’s capital, Niamey, continues to suffer planned outages lasting several days.

The drastic reduction in electricity supply has triggered a shift toward solar energy among residents and businesses. In Niamey’s Lazaret neighbourhood, a resident, Elhadj Abdou, said solar panels have become a popular alternative.

“There are no more power cuts here, and there are no bills to pay; everything works on solar energy,” Abdou said. The solar panels, which cost around 50,000 CFA francs (approximately 75 euros), are often imported from China and sold directly on the streets.

Nigeria’s decision to limit power supply stems from sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) after the July 26, 2023 coup. The regional bloc had initially suspended energy transactions, among other measures, to pressure the military junta to restore democratic governance. While Nigeria eventually resumed limited power exports, the supply remains significantly below pre-coup levels.

Nigeria generates electricity mainly from thermal and hydro sources, with natural gas powering over 29 thermal plants nationwide.