Nigeria has cut its electricity export to Niger Republic by 42%, reducing the supply from 80 megawatts to 46 megawatts.
Gatekeepers News reports this decision is attributed to Nigeria’s internal power sector challenges and regional tensions following the military takeover in Niger in July 2023.
The reduction has resulted in a 30-50% decline in Niger’s overall power production, forcing the state-owned power company, Nigelec, to implement prolonged and scheduled blackouts, particularly in the capital, Niamey.
Nigeria’s power sector is facing significant challenges, generating only around 5,000 megawatts for a population of over 200 million people. Experts estimate that the country needs at least 30,000 megawatts to meet domestic demand.
The power crisis is exacerbated by low gas supply, unpaid debts to GenCos and financial imbalance.
The power crisis could lead to a national blackout if urgent interventions are not implemented.
GenCos have warned that they may be forced to shut down operations due to the financial imbalance and unpaid debts.
Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has acknowledged the crisis, and his special adviser, Bolaji Tunji, confirmed that the government is taking steps to resolve the issue. The Ministry of Finance is expected to take over the responsibility for clearing the outstanding debts soon.
