Sanction-hit Niger increases energy supply with solar PV plant

The 30 MWp Gorou Banda solar power plant in Niger. Image Source: Nigelec/X

To compensate for having its electricity supply cut from Nigeria after a coup, Niger has commissioned a 30MW solar photovoltaic plant.

The July military takeover of the country saw the Economic Community of West African States’ (ECOWAS) place several restrictions on Niger. In addition to Nigeria cutting the electricity supply, ECOWAS closed borders with Niger, banned commercial flights and halted financial transactions.   

Niger relies on Abuja for up to 70% of its electricity supply, the country’s energy parastatal Nigelec previously confirmed.

Niger’s Energy Minister Mahaman Moustapha Barké, said during a television broadcast that Nigelec is seeing an improvement in the quality of service for its subscribers, specifically in the capital Niamey, Dosso in the south and Tillabéri in the west, thanks to the solar plant.

Equipped with over 55,000 solar panels, the plant is the largest solar energy infrastructure ever built in Niger. 

On a post to X on November 25, Nigelec said: “Today, the Minister of Oil, Mines and Energy visited the 30 MWp Gorou Banda solar power plant, the recent commissioning of which made it possible to improve the electrical energy supply to NIGELEC subscribers in the river regions.” 

It has been reported that the French embassy in Niger warned on Sunday that “as the power station could not be completed in the conditions initially planned, there are nevertheless operational risks.”

Calls for sanctions on Niger to be lifted

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Nigeria’s Northern Senators Forum (NSF) appealed to the country’s government to lift the electricity embargo on Niger. 

Nigerian media reported that the Forum also requested that the military junta in Niger Republic to return the country to democratic rule. 

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Earlier in November, a delegation of 13 women from the Confederation of  ‘Femmes Battantes’ of Niger, paid a courtesy call on the Vice-President of the ECOWAS Commission, Damtien L Tchintchibidja, in Abuja.

The meeting focused on the socio-political and humanitarian situation in Niger and the impact of ECOWAS sanctions following the coup d’état of July 26. 

Speaking on behalf of the women’s delegation, Soumaila Ali Fati expressed her concern about the socio-economic implications of these sanctions on the population and in particular on women and children in Niger.

The women’s delegation took the opportunity to make a plea to the President of the ECOWAS Commission to lift the sanctions against Niger while calling for greater solidarity within the region because of the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Niger.

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