Federal Government has significantly scaled back electricity exports to Niger Republic, cutting supply by 42 per cent, from 80 megawatts to 46MW, in a move that has dealt a blow to power generation in the junta-led nation.
Niger’s Energy Minister, Haoua Amadou, confirmed the development in an interview with AFP, revealing that the supply drop has slashed electricity production in the country by between 30 and 50 per cent.
The strain has forced Nigelec, Niger’s state-owned power company, to introduce scheduled blackouts that sometimes extend for several days, particularly in the capital, Niamey.
The reduction comes amid growing frustrations among citizens and a noticeable shift towards solar power as an alternative energy source.
It will be recalled that Nigeria initially halted most electricity exports to Niger in 2023 following sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States after President Mohamed Bazoum was overthrown by members of his Presidential Guard on July 26, 2023.
The bloc had issued a one-week deadline for the restoration of constitutional order and imposed sweeping sanctions, including the suspension of energy transactions and freezing of financial dealings.
Although Nigeria later resumed electricity supply, it has not returned to pre-coup levels.
“Nigeria has since resumed delivering electricity, but only providing 46 megawatts instead of the usual 80 megawatts,” Amadou noted.
She admitted that despite domestic efforts to boost power generation, electricity rationing persists in Niamey, leading individuals and businesses to seek alternatives. Rooftop solar panels have become increasingly popular.
“There are no more power cuts here, and there are no bills to pay; everything works on solar energy,” said Elhadj Abdou, a resident of Niamey’s Lazaret district.
The panels, mainly imported from China and priced around 50,000 CFA francs (roughly 75 euros), are often sold directly by street vendors.
Nigeria’s own power generation relies heavily on thermal and hydroelectric plants, with over 29 thermal stations fueled primarily by natural gas.
