Ekperikpe Ekpo, minister of state for petroleum resources (gas), says the federal government will prioritise Togo, the Benin Republic, and Ghana in gas supply to the West African region.
Ekpo spoke during a meeting with the outgoing and incoming managing directors of the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), according to a statement on Tuesday by Louis Mbah, his spokesperson.
The minister said the plan is part of efforts to tackle energy poverty and foster economic prosperity in the West African subregion.
As chairman of the committee of ministers of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), Ekpo underscored the federal government’s progress in the gas sector over the past two years.
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He said the advancement is marked by notable progress in developing gas infrastructure, reducing gas flaring, and increasing gas availability for both export and domestic consumption.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is committed to extinguishing issues of energy poverty in Nigeria, the West African subregion, and indeed the whole of Africa, with key policies and projects,” Ekpo said.
“Gas supply within the West African subregion is a top priority for the Federal Government, especially supplies to the Republic of Benin, Togo, and Ghana, to fuel energy and stem energy poverty as a key imperative for economic prosperity in the sub-region.”
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The minister expressed gratitude to Michelle Burkett, the outgoing WAPCo managing director, for her visionary leadership and her resolute efforts in driving the company to achieve success during her tenure.
Ekpo also pledged to support Abiodun Bodunrin, the new managing director of the company, to excel in his assignment.
In response, Bodunrin sought the minister’s backing to enhance the company’s performance, with a focus on ensuring consistent and uninterrupted gas deliveries from Nigeria to regional consumers.
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