By Ibrahim Falilat Omolara
Nigeria has withdrawn electricity supply to Neighbouring country, Niger Republic.
The West African nation was thrown into blackout after Nigeria disconnected the high-voltage line from to Niger on Tuesday.
The disconnection came as a sanction following a military intervention that led to the dislogdement of former president Mohammed Bazoum last week.
Recall that some military officers who overthrew President Mohammed Bazoum a week ago were decided upon by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), headed by Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Sunday.
The severing of transactional ties with Niger was a punitive action by ECOWAS in addition to a one-week deadline for restoring constitutional authority in the country.
In 2022, 70% of Niger’s share of power came from purchases from the Nigerian company Mainstream, according to a report by Nigelec, the nation’s sole supplier. Western Nigeria’s Kainji Dam generates electricity.
Niger is looking at completing its first dam by 2025 to end dependence on its neighbour, Nigeria, for electricity supply.
The Kandadji Dam, located 180 km upstream of Niamey, when completed, will generate 629 gigawatt hours (GWh) annually.
Before the insurrection, the country established a long-standing cordial relationship with Nigeria over the years.
