Nigeria pushes ECOWAS backing to secure West African gas pipeline

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — The Federal Government has called for stronger regional backing to safeguard and expand the West African Gas Pipeline, WAGP, warning that sustained cooperation is critical to maintaining energy security and economic growth across the sub-region.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, made the call while chairing a meeting of the Committee of Ministers of the project, where he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment as the pipeline’s largest gas supplier.

“The West African Gas Pipeline is more than infrastructure; it is a practical tool for regional cooperation and shared prosperity,” Ekpo said.

He stressed that Nigeria remains fully committed to the reliability and sustainability of the pipeline, which supplies gas to Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana.

“As a founding member and major supplier, Nigeria places high strategic importance on this project,” he added.

Ekpo disclosed that Nigeria currently accounts for over 68 per cent of gas supplied through the pipeline, noting that the system recorded growth in 2025 due to rising demand and improved operations.

He, however, urged the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, to strengthen institutional support, particularly in enabling seamless movement of pipeline personnel across member states.

“We must enhance collaboration and remove operational bottlenecks, including ease of movement for officials, to ensure the continued success of this strategic asset,” he said.

The minister also revealed ongoing efforts to strengthen the project’s legal framework, including plans to amend the WAGP Act to reflect current realities and improve efficiency.

In his remarks, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Umar Touray, pledged continued support for the initiative and called for deeper collaboration among member countries.

Stakeholders at the meeting, including Director-General of the West African Pipeline Authority, Chafari Hanawa, and Managing Director of the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited, Abiodun Bodunrin, emphasised the need for sustained cooperation to consolidate gains.

The meeting, attended by energy ministers from Ghana, Togo, and Benin Republic, focused on reviewing progress, addressing operational challenges, and outlining strategies to strengthen the long-term viability of the pipeline.