The Nigerian government has restored power supply to the Niger Republic for the first time in seven months, following the lifting of sanctions.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) recently announced its 24th session that sanctions placed on Niger have been lifted to ameliorate the suffering of the Nigerien people.
According to ECOWAS, it decided to “to lift with immediate effect the following sanctions imposed on the Republic of Niger: Closure of land and air borders between ECOWAS countries and Niger; Institution of ECOWAS no-fly zone on all commercial flights to and from Niger; Suspension of all commercial and financial transactions between ECOWAS Member States and Niger.
“Freeze of all service transaction including utility services and electricity to Niger Republic; Freeze of assets of the Republic of Niger in ECOWAS Central Banks; Freeze of assets of the Niger State, State Enterprises and Parastatals in Commercial Banks; Suspension of Niger from all financial assistance and transactions with all financial institutions, particularly, EBID and BOAD; Travel ban on government officials and their family members.”
Nigeria had discontinued supplying power to its French-speaking neighbour after the military coup in July 2023 deposed government of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Seven out of the eight states in Niger rely on electricity supply from Nigeria under a long-standing trade agreement between the two countries.
For the first time in almost eight months, electricity supply was sustained throughout the night of Wednesday, February 28, in the seven states.
The Nigerian govt disclosed that the power was restored to Niger Republic after a reconnection at the transmission station in Kebbi state. Elated residents welcomed the development, especially as the Ramadan fast approaches.
