Niger Faces Power Crisis as Nigeria Cuts Electricity Supply by 42% Amid Post-Coup Sanctions

Written on 16/04/2025
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Niger Republic is facing a worsening energy crisis following a 42% cut in electricity supply from Nigeria, its main power source. The reduction, confirmed by Niger’s Energy Minister Haoua Amadou, has led to a 30–50% drop in domestic electricity production, triggering extended blackouts, particularly in the capital, Niamey.

The supply cut stems from regional sanctions imposed on the military junta that overthrew Niger’s civilian president, Mohamed Bazoum, in July 2023. As part of the sanctions, Nigeria suspended power exports, but later resumed limited supply, currently delivering 46 megawatts instead of the usual 80 megawatts, according to Amadou.

The reduced electricity flow has forced state utility Nigelec to implement multi-day rolling blackouts, affecting homes, businesses, and public infrastructure across the country. The situation underscores the energy dependence of Niger on regional partners and the geopolitical fallout of the 2023 coup.