Electricity supply from Nigeria to the Niger Republic has been reduced by 42 percent following the Federal Government’s decision to maintain energy restrictions in place since the July 2023 military coup in Niamey.
Niger’s Minister of Energy Haoua Amadou confirmed that the supply cut has lowered Nigeria’s electricity export from 80 megawatts to 46 megawatts.
The reduction has caused nationwide blackouts and forced the state-run power utility Nigelec to implement extended power rationing measures.
As a result of the shortfall Niger Republic’s electricity generation has declined by up to 50 percent. Households and businesses across the country, particularly in the capital Niamey, have been severely impacted by power outages lasting several days.
Minister Amadou stated that while Nigeria has resumed partial electricity deliveries, the current supply remains far below what is required to stabilise the national grid. She noted that despite ongoing efforts to expand domestic production, controlled shutdowns persist across the network.
The supply restriction dates back to July 2023 when Nigeria suspended electricity exports to Niger in compliance with sanctions imposed by the Economic Community of West African States following the overthrow of civilian President Mohamed Bazoum.
The sanctions included the suspension of cross-border electricity and financial transactions.
Although ECOWAS later eased its position the Federal Government of Nigeria has maintained limited energy exports to Niger. The current output of 46 megawatts reflects a cautious policy stance as diplomatic tensions remain unresolved.
In Niamey, rooftop solar installations have become increasingly common as residents turn to off-grid sources for consistent power. Most of the solar panels priced at around 50000 CFA francs are imported from China and sold directly in local markets.
A resident in the Lazaret area of Niamey said his household now relies entirely on solar power which he described as more reliable and cost-effective than the unstable public grid.
Nigeria’s electricity generation is powered primarily by over 29 thermal plants fueled by natural gas and supported by hydropower stations.
However, gas supply disruptions and infrastructure limitations continue to constrain the country’s ability to meet local and regional energy demands.
The Federal Government has not provided any update on whether full electricity exports to Niger will be restored. The restricted supply highlights the continued influence of political and security considerations on regional energy policy.
Meanwhile the government of Niger Republic is accelerating investments in off-grid energy projects to mitigate the impact of limited grid supply.
Analysts note that the current crisis may trigger a long-term shift toward renewable energy as the country seeks to strengthen energy resilience and reduce external dependence.
