The development was confirmed by Niger’s Energy Minister, Haoua Amadou, in an interview with AFP, amid growing complaints from citizens over prolonged blackouts and a growing shift toward solar alternatives in the country.

The impact has been significant. With output now falling between 30 to 50 percent, Niger’s national electricity firm, Nigelec, has resorted to rotating power cuts — some of which last for days — especially in the capital city, Niamey.

Electricity exports to Niger were initially suspended by Nigeria in July 2023 following the ousting of democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum by members of the Presidential Guard. In response, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) imposed sweeping sanctions, including halting all energy transactions.

While the suspension was eventually lifted, electricity supply from Nigeria has remained restricted — and, according to Amadou, far below what’s needed to meet Niger’s growing domestic demand.

“Nigeria has resumed deliveries, but we’re only receiving 46 megawatts, well short of the previous 80MW,” the minister said.

The shortages have fueled a surge in solar power adoption across the country. In neighborhoods like Lazaret in Niamey, residents have taken matters into their own hands.

“Power cuts are no longer a problem for us. We’ve gone fully solar, and there are no bills to worry about,” said local resident Elhadj Abdou, pointing to the solar panels lining rooftops in his area.

These Chinese-imported panels, which cost around 50,000 CFA francs (about 75 euros), are now a common sight on the streets, sold directly to households and small businesses.

Nigeria, for its part, primarily relies on natural gas and hydroelectric sources to generate electricity, with over two dozen thermal plants supplying the bulk of its national grid.

Despite the partial resumption of supply, observers say the reduced electricity allocation reflects lingering diplomatic unease following last year’s coup — and the broader political uncertainty surrounding the region’s energy diplomacy.

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This move follows Niger’s recent withdrawal from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), alongside Mali and Burkina Faso.

Despite the open border, new immigration rules at Illela and Konni crossings reject the ECOWAS passport as a valid ID.

Alhaji Mansur Abdullah, a frequent cross-border trader, confirmed the development. He shared his frustration.

Stating, “they have started harassing us at the border.

A source in the Niger state of Taiwan revealed that Nigerien border officials are turning away travelers relying solely on the ECOWAS passport.

The source noted, “Authorities are insisting on the national passport, making it hard for travelers and traders.”

Abubakar Isa, a commercial driver on the Illela-Konni route, reported that security personnel demand bribes of 5,000-10,000 CFA from ECOWAS passport holders.

“If you don’t have Niger’s new ID, they take you to their office and pressure you for a bribe,” Isa added.

In Illela, Alhaji Nuhu Abubakar, a local trader, stated that despite the changes, trade continues normally, and the border remains open on both sides.

He noted, “There are rumors about the military junta considering restricting motorcycle movement, but nothing has been confirmed.”

Although the Nigerien government has not officially announced a ban on the ECOWAS passport, the situation is causing concern.

Affected travelers fear that further disruptions to trade and movement may occur.

Joel Ahofodji, ECOWAS Commission’s Head of Communication, confirmed that the regional bloc was unaware of Niger’s ECOWAS passport ban.

The post Niger Republic Bars Nigerians with ECOWAS Passport appeared first on Housing TV Africa.

A statement signed and made available to Journalists by the spokesman of the command, Abdullahi Abubakar, said the Comptroller of Customs, Sokoto/Zamfara Command, Kamal Muhammed, announced the official reopening.

The statement further notes that the reopening followed directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who ordered the service and other security agencies to open both the land and air borders as well as immediately suspend all sanctions hitherto imposed on the county through ECOWAS, according to a statement 

“Sequel to the lift of sanctions on Niger Republic by ECOWAS and the subsequent directive by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the reopening of land and air borders with Niger Republic and lifting of other sanctions against the country with immediate effect.

“The Comptroller charged MDA’s and security agencies at the border station to give maximum collaboration to each other in the area of trade facilitation, information and intelligence sharing for safe, efficient and effective service delivery at the border.

“He further stated that the Comptroller General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi commended the customs license agents and the Illela community for their patience and cooperation during the seven months border closure”

The statement further said the Comptroller assured the general public of a renewed and better service delivery while calling on them to abide by the import and export extant laws.

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