Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional energy cooperation under the West African Gas Pipeline, WAGP project, calling for urgent fiscal reforms and stronger compliance from partner nations to sustain the pipeline’s operations.
The WAGP, a 678-kilometre pipeline operated by the West African Gas Pipeline Company, WAPCo, would play a vital role in integrating energy markets in the region, supplying gas from Nigeria to power generation plants in Benin, Togo, and Ghana.
Speaking during a high-level meeting of the WAGP Committee of Ministers in Accra, Ekpo emphasized the strategic importance of the transnational gas infrastructure to regional energy security and economic growth, while calling on member states to fulfill financial obligations and align with updated legislative frameworks.
“I urge all member countries, especially Ghana, to ensure their relevant agencies meet financial obligations promptly to guarantee uninterrupted gas supply,” Ekpo stated during a courtesy visit to Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.
“We also call on His Excellency to expedite action on proposed fiscal amendments to the WAGP Act so the project can reflect operational realities and remain viable.”
The Nigerian delegation’s visit was part of ongoing efforts to resolve lingering issues surrounding gas supply under the WAGP framework, which channels Nigerian natural gas to Benin, Togo, and Ghana.
Ekpo, who chairs the WAGP Committee of Ministers, stressed Nigeria’s readiness to continue supplying gas and advancing regional cooperation through projects like the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline.
“We are committed to collaboration with our brothers and sisters across West Africa. Together, we will ensure that the West African Gas Pipeline delivers affordable, reliable, and sustainable gas, fueling economic transformation in our region,” he said.
President Mahama, in his response, pledged Ghana’s continued support for the WAGP and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to upholding its obligations.
“Ghana remains fully committed to the West African Gas Pipeline project. We will ensure our agencies meet their financial commitments and support all necessary reforms to keep the pipeline operational and sustainable,” the Ghanaian leader said.
The WAGP meeting was also attended by Hon. John Abdulai Jinapor, Ghana’s Minister for Energy and Green Transition; Hon. Paulin Kingnide Akponna, Minister of Petroleum and Energy of Benin Republic; and Hon. Paul Mawusi Kakatsi, Minister of State for Mines and Energy Resources, Togo.
The officials reiterated their support for strengthening the regional gas infrastructure and aligning regulatory policies to enhance performance.
