WAPCo Urges Pipeline Protection to Ensure Reliable Gas Supply Across West Africa
By Naija Enquirer Staff
The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has emphasized the need to protect pipelines to guarantee sustainable gas delivery to customers in Togo, Benin Republic, and Ghana, citing the critical role of energy security in the sub-region.
Despite achieving the highest gas delivery volume in its 30-year history, the cross-border network still operates at less than half of its 470 million standard cubic feet per day (mmscf/d) capacity, highlighting persistent regional energy deficits.
Managing Director Abiodun Abodunrin, speaking in Lagos, described the bi-directional pipeline, which allows flows from both Nigeria and Ghana, as the backbone of electricity generation in the three countries. He warned that disruptions could trigger immediate power shortages, underscoring the fragility of regional energy security.
As of November 2025, WAPCo delivered an average of 217 mmscf/d, with projections to close the year at 218–220 mmscf/d. Despite this achievement, more than 250 mmscf/d of daily capacity remains unused, leaving West Africa vulnerable to avoidable electricity shortages.
“On our best days, we are only utilizing around 40 percent of the pipeline’s capacity; meanwhile, populations across the region are growing faster than the energy available to them,” Abodunrin noted.
He called for a harmonized fiscal and regulatory framework across Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana to attract private investment. While Benin has passed amendments and Nigeria submitted an executive bill, Togo and Ghana are still in parliamentary stages.
Abodunrin highlighted the pipeline’s increasing bi-directionality, enabling gas from Ghana’s Takoradi fields to enter the network, enhancing regional flexibility and reliability. He stressed that growth must deliver value to shareholders and reliable energy to the region.
WAPCo also warned against illegal sand mining along the pipeline right-of-way, which poses significant safety risks due to the high-pressure nature of gas lines. The January 2025 offshore inspection confirmed the pipeline remains in good condition despite sections approaching 30 years of service.
Safety remains a top priority. WAPCo reported over 13 million man-hours and 11 years without a lost-time incident, achieving nearly one million man-hours in 2025 without accidents.
The company plans to surpass 2025 delivery volumes in 2026, working toward full utilization of the 470 mmscf/d capacity and exploring potential expansions to accommodate rising gas availability and electricity demand across the region.
