Nigeria has slashed its electricity supply to the Niger Republic by 42%, reducing output from 80 megawatts to just 46 megawatts. This move comes as part of ongoing regional sanctions against the military junta in Niger and reflects growing energy challenges within Nigeria itself.
Niger’s Energy Minister, Haoua Amadou, confirmed the cut, noting that it has caused widespread electricity shortages across the country. According to her, electricity production in Niger has dropped by up to 50%, prompting state-run utility Nigelec to enforce prolonged power outages—particularly in the capital city, Niamey—sometimes lasting several days.
The initial suspension of electricity exports followed the July 2023 military coup in Niger, which ousted President Mohamed Bazoum. Although Nigeria later resumed partial power delivery, the volume remains significantly lower than before the coup, signaling both political tension and Nigeria’s own internal struggle with power generation.
Back home, Nigeria is grappling with an intensifying energy crisis. Despite being Africa’s most populous nation, the country currently generates just over 5,000 megawatts of electricity—woefully insufficient for its population of more than 200 million. Experts estimate that Nigeria needs at least 30,000 megawatts to meet basic demand and achieve energy stability.
The power sector, heavily reliant on gas-fired thermal plants, has been plagued by underinvestment, poor infrastructure, and fuel shortages. Nigeria’s 29 thermal stations are struggling due to an inconsistent gas supply, leading to frequent blackouts nationwide.
Adding to the crisis, power generation companies (GenCos) have sounded the alarm over a staggering N4 trillion in unpaid invoices. This includes approximately N2 trillion owed for electricity supplied in 2024 alone, and another N1.9 trillion in legacy debt accumulated over the years.
In a strongly worded statement, the Association of Power Generation Companies warned that their operations were on the verge of collapse. They cited the dire liquidity crisis, claiming that many plants were receiving less than 30% of the value of power delivered to the national grid each month.
“The situation is unsustainable,” said Col. Sani Bello (retd.), Chairman of the Association’s Board of Trustees. “If the debt issue remains unresolved, GenCos may be forced to shut down their plants, plunging the nation into deeper darkness.”
The companies also criticized the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc and other key stakeholders for what they described as an unfair application of the “waterfall arrangement”—a system that allocates full payments to some service providers while GenCos receive as little as 9% to 11% of what they are owed.
In response to the mounting crisis, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has promised swift intervention. His special adviser, Bolaji Tunji, revealed that the government is working on a plan to stabilize the power sector, including direct involvement from the Ministry of Finance to fast-track debt repayment.
According to Tunji, “The issue is well within the government’s radar. Concrete steps are already in motion, and the Ministry of Finance will soon take the lead in addressing the outstanding obligations.”
While these assurances may offer some hope, the reality on the ground remains grim. With mounting debts, operational inefficiencies, and a struggling power infrastructure, the possibility of a nationwide blackout looms large.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s reduced electricity supply to Niger has not only strained bilateral relations but also underscored the fragility of energy security in the West African region.
