Nigeria Reduces Electricity Supply to Niger Republic Amid Regional Sanctions
Power Supply Cut by 42% as Nigeria Faces Its Own Energy Crisis
Nigeria has significantly reduced electricity exports to the neighboring Niger Republic, slashing supply from 80 megawatts to just 46 megawatts. This 42% reduction comes as part of ongoing regional sanctions against the military junta that overthrew civilian president Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.
Impact on Niger’s Power Sector
Niger’s Energy Minister, Haoua Amadou, confirmed the reduction, stating it has caused the country’s electricity production to drop by 30-50%. The state-owned power company Nigelec has been forced to implement planned power cuts that may last several days, particularly affecting the capital city of Niamey.
“While Nigeria has resumed electricity deliveries, they’re now providing only 46 megawatts instead of the usual 80 megawatts,” Minister Amadou explained.
Nigeria’s Domestic Power Challenges
The reduction comes as Nigeria grapples with its own electricity generation crisis. Currently producing just over 5,000 megawatts for its population of more than 200 million, experts estimate the country needs at least 30,000 megawatts to achieve energy sufficiency.
Nigeria’s power sector faces multiple challenges:
- Low gas supply to thermal plants
- Inadequate infrastructure investment
- Mounting sector debt exceeding N4 trillion
Generation Companies Threaten Shutdown
Power generation companies (GenCos) have warned of potential plant shutdowns due to:
- N2 trillion debt for 2024 power supply
- N1.9 trillion in legacy debts
- Receiving less than 30% of monthly invoices
The Association of Power Generation Companies, through Chairman Col. Sani Bello (retd), stated that these financial pressures could lead to imminent plant closures without urgent government intervention.
Government Response
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu has pledged to address the debt crisis. His Special Adviser, Bolaji Tunji, confirmed the government is taking concrete steps to resolve the issue, with the Ministry of Finance expected to oversee payments soon.
The GenCos have criticized what they call unfair implementation of the NESI’s “waterfall arrangement,” where they receive only 9-11% of due payments while other service providers get full settlement.
Source: AllAfrica