By Andrew Haruna
NIAMEY, NIGER REPUBLIC – The Federal Government of Nigeria has reduced electricity exports to the Junta-led Niger Republic by 42 per cent, slashing supply from 80 megawatts to just 46MW, according to Niger’s Minister of Energy, Haoua Amadou.
This development has significantly impacted power supply in the landlocked West African country, causing a 30 to 50 per cent drop in electricity production and triggering regular blackouts in the capital, Niamey, and other regions.
Amadou, speaking in an interview with AFP, attributed the power crisis to Nigeria’s partial reinstatement of energy exports following sanctions imposed after the July 2023 military coup that ousted former President Mohamed Bazoum.
“Nigeria has since resumed delivering electricity, but only providing 46 megawatts instead of the usual 80 megawatts,” the minister disclosed.
Background: ECOWAS Sanctions and Nigeria’s Role
Following the July 26, 2023 coup, officers of Niger’s Presidential Guard arrested President Bazoum and installed a military regime. In response, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) enforced sweeping sanctions, including the suspension of energy transactions with Niger Republic. Although the sanctions have since been lifted, Nigeria’s full power supply has not resumed.
Nigeria, West Africa’s energy giant, generates electricity largely from natural gas-fed thermal stations and hydroelectric plants. It has historically supplied power to Niger Republic through cross-border transmission lines.
Rising Solar Adoption in Niger
The persistent shortage of electricity has prompted both residents and businesses in Niger to embrace solar energy solutions.
“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 Lazaret, a district in Niamey.
Rooftop solar panels—mainly imported from China and sold for about 50,000 CFA francs (approximately €75)—have become a common feature across the capital.
Amadou confirmed that despite ongoing efforts to boost local generation, Niamey and other cities still experience planned load shedding, making solar a vital alternative for thousands of residents.
