The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted gas supply from Nigeria to neighboring countries, including Togo, Benin Republic, and Ghana, as part of efforts to address energy poverty and promote economic growth across the West African sub-region.
The pledge was made by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, during a meeting in Abuja with the outgoing and incoming Managing Directors of the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo). The minister emphasized that the Tinubu administration is determined to harness Nigeria’s gas resources to fuel regional energy stability and economic prosperity.
In a statement released by the minister’s spokesman, Louis Ibah, Ekpo said, “The Tinubu-led Federal Government is very committed to ensuring steady gas supply to neighboring countries, including the Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana, to combat energy poverty and foster economic prosperity.”
As Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the West African Gas Pipeline, Ekpo highlighted the strides made under President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the past two years. He noted significant progress in developing gas infrastructure, reducing gas flaring, and increasing gas availability for both domestic consumption and export to regional markets.
“President Tinubu is committed to extinguishing issues of energy poverty in Nigeria, the West African subregion, and indeed the whole of Africa. Gas supply within the West African subregion is a top priority for the Federal Government, especially to Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana, to fuel energy and stem energy poverty as a key imperative for economic prosperity,” he added.
Ekpo also expressed gratitude to the outgoing WAPCo Managing Director, Ms. Michelle Burkett, for her visionary leadership and significant contributions to the company’s growth. He assured her that her efforts in expanding gas distribution networks and strengthening regional partnerships would not be forgotten.
Addressing the minister, the newly appointed WAPCo Managing Director, Mr. Abiodun Bodunrin, sought government support to implement his strategic vision for the company. Bodunrin pledged to prioritize the reliability and continuity of gas supply from Nigeria to regional consumers. He highlighted plans to optimize pipeline operations, strengthen maintenance schedules, and ensure timely delivery to meet the rising energy demand in the sub-region.
Experts say Nigeria’s gas export to West African nations is a critical driver of regional industrialization and energy security. The West African Gas Pipeline, spanning over 680 kilometers, currently supplies natural gas to power plants and industries in Benin, Togo, and Ghana. Reliable gas supply helps stabilize electricity generation, reduces dependency on costly imported fuels, and supports the growth of local industries.
With Nigeria’s gas sector gaining momentum under current policies, the Federal Government has also been exploring opportunities to expand gas production, improve domestic distribution networks, and attract private investment into the energy sector. These measures aim to position Nigeria not only as a regional energy hub but also as a key contributor to Africa’s sustainable energy transition.
The Federal Government’s renewed commitment comes at a time when energy shortages and high electricity costs remain pressing challenges in West Africa. Analysts say that steady gas supply from Nigeria could significantly reduce energy deficits, enhance industrial productivity, and boost regional economic integration.
By prioritizing cross-border gas supply and infrastructure development, Nigeria is reinforcing its role as a leading energy supplier in Africa, while supporting the sub-region’s shared goal of achieving energy security and economic prosperity.