Nigeria Cuts Electricity Supply to Niger Republic by 42%, Sparking Widespread Blackouts and Surge in Solar Energy Use
The Federal Government of Nigeria has cut its electricity supply to the Junta-led Niger Republic by 42 percent, dropping from 80 megawatts to 46 megawatts.
This significant reduction has slashed Niger’s electricity production by 30 to 50 percent, leading to days-long power outages, particularly in the capital, Niamey. State-run power company, Nigelec, has now resorted to planned load shedding.
Niger’s Energy Minister, Haoua Amadou, revealed the development in an interview with AFP, attributing the ongoing power crisis to both the supply cut and increased reliance on alternative energy sources, particularly solar.
The cutback follows Nigeria’s earlier suspension of power exports to Niger as part of ECOWAS sanctions imposed after the military ousted civilian President Mohamed Bazoum on July 26, 2023. Following the coup, ECOWAS halted financial and energy transactions with Niger and gave a one-week ultimatum to restore democratic rule.
Though Nigeria has since resumed power supply, the output remains far below pre-sanction levels. “Nigeria has resumed electricity delivery, but only at 46 megawatts instead of 80,” Amadou stated.
Despite efforts to boost domestic energy generation, Niamey continues to experience widespread outages. In response, both residents and businesses are turning to solar power.
One resident, Elhadj Abdou from Lazaret in Niamey, highlighted the growing trend: “There are no more power cuts here, and there are no bills to pay; everything works on solar energy.”
Solar panels, mainly imported from China and sold for about 50,000 CFA francs (roughly 75 euros), are now a common sight on rooftops across the city.
Nigeria, which relies heavily on natural gas to power its 29+ thermal plants, remains a key electricity supplier in the region through its mix of thermal and hydroelectric sources.
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