Obasanjo Defends Nigeria-Niger Electricity Pact, Criticizes ECOWAS's Military Threat After Coup

LAGOS, Nigeria — Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has provided a detailed rationale for Nigeria's ongoing electricity supply to neighboring Niger Republic, framing it as a fulfillment of a crucial long-term agreement that protects Nigeria's own energy infrastructure. He also delivered a pointed critique of the regional response to Niger's 2023 military coup.

Speaking during an interview, Obasanjo explained that the arrangement is not a discretionary favor but stems from a strategic pact. He revealed that Niger Republic agreed not to construct a dam on the River Niger upstream from Nigeria's Kainji Dam—a project that could have severely crippled Nigeria's primary hydroelectric power generation. In return, Nigeria committed to supplying Niger with electricity.

"International agreements should not be abandoned due to domestic pressures," Obasanjo stated, emphasizing that the symbiotic deal, which safeguards Nigeria's energy security, must be honored regardless of Nigeria's own internal power challenges.

Questioning the Legitimacy of Military Threats

The former president used the forum to question the Economic Community of West African States' (ECOWAS) threat of military intervention following the coup that ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum in July 2023.

"We threatened to attack them when they had a coup. Do we have the right?" Obasanjo asked. **"Nigeria has had coups several times, nobody threatened to attack us."**

He argued that the regional bloc's approach lacked consistency and practicality. Obasanjo noted that Nigeria's historical experience with coups involved communicating the reasons for political change to neighboring nations rather than facing external military threats.

A Call for Diplomacy Over Aggression

While stating that coups should not be encouraged, Obasanjo advocated for a diplomatic response. He suggested that regional stability is better achieved through dialogue and understanding the underlying grievances—such as poor governance and economic hardship—that often lead to military takeovers.

"Regional stability is best achieved through dialogue and negotiation rather than threats of war," he asserted, urging ECOWAS to adopt more constructive engagement strategies that address the root causes of political instability.

Obasanjo's comments underscore a significant debate within West Africa regarding the appropriate balance between upholding democratic principles and employing pragmatic diplomacy in a region increasingly marred by military interventions.

*Source: Based on former President Olusegun Obasanjo's interview on The Toyin Falola Interviews.*

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