The Nigerien government has moved to overhaul its public electricity operator, NIGELEC, with the creation of a high-level strategic committee tasked with proposing a new governance framework for the recently nationalized company.
The committee was formally installed on July 21, 2025, under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine.
This initiative forms part of a broader push to regain state control over key sectors of Niger’s economy and to stabilize vital services amid mounting public demand for reliable and equitable access to energy.
The ad hoc committee’s mandate is extensive, focusing on diagnosing NIGELEC’s financial and operational challenges, evaluating the social costs of restructuring, reviewing its legal framework, and redefining employee status.
Its central goal is to develop concrete recommendations for sustainable governance, aiming to transform NIGELEC into a high-performing public utility capable of meeting the country’s growing energy needs.
To ensure credibility and technical depth, the committee draws on expertise from across government and oversight bodies.
The Energy Advisor to the President of the Republic serves as chair, while the Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Oil, Mines, and Energy acts as vice-chair.
The Secretaries General of the Ministries of Energy, Economy, and Finance serve as rapporteurs.
Representatives from the Ministries of Civil Service, Justice, Energy, and Mines, along with members from the General State Inspectorate, the General Inspectorate of Finance, and two NIGELEC representatives, round out the body.
Reporting directly to the Prime Minister, the committee has a one-month deadline to deliver its findings and is required to provide updates after each session.
It is authorized to consult external experts as needed, with all operational costs covered by the state budget.
This reform marks a significant turning point in Niger’s energy policy, signaling the government’s intent to restore transparency, equity, and efficiency in the electricity sector.
The committee’s final report, expected in the coming weeks, is poised to shape the future of NIGELEC and could lay the foundation for a more sustainable and sovereign national energy strategy.
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