Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), announced that the federal government will prioritise gas supply to Togo, the Benin Republic, and Ghana as part of its strategy for the West African region.
Gatekeepers News reports Ekpo, during a meeting with the outgoing and incoming managing directors of the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), emphasised that this initiative aims to address energy poverty and enhance economic growth within the West African subregion.
As the chairman of the committee of ministers for the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), Ekpo highlighted the federal government’s significant advancements in the gas sector over the past two years. He noted progress in developing gas infrastructure, reducing gas flaring, and increasing the availability of gas for both export and domestic use.
“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.”
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.
