Nigeria: Jebba-Mokwa Highway temporarily closed April 3

Event

Protest groups forced the Jebba-Mokwa Highway linking Kwara and Niger states in central Nigeria to shut down on Tuesday, April 3, due to demonstrations regarding ongoing electricity blackouts in the area. The protest lasted approximately six hours and was dispersed by both police and the military. Further protests related to the recurrent power outages are possible in the near-term.

Context

Capacity at the Jebba Hydro Electric Power Dam has been unable to keep pace with the regional rise in population, leading to frequent electricity cuts in surrounding communities.

Advice

Individuals in Kwara and Niger states are advised to be aware that blackouts are common in the area and to keep battery-operated devices fully charged whenever possible. More generally, individuals are advised to avoid all demonstrations, to follow all instructions issued by authorities, and to anticipate travel disruptions in affected areas.