By Emmanuel Kwada
The West Africa Gas Pipeline (WAGP) has saved Ghana, Togo, and Benin a staggering $1.237 billion between 2011 and 2022, thanks to the transportation of natural gas from Nigeria. This significant saving is a result of the pipeline’s ability to supply natural gas to these countries, making it the dominant source of electricity generation.
The West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA) regulates the 678km gas pipeline, established under the WAGP Treaty signed in 2003 by Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo. WAGPA’s Director General, Barr/Mrs. Chafari Kanya, highlighted the pipeline’s impact during a meeting with ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray.
Kanya stated that between 2011 and 2022, the WAGP delivered over 35 trillion Btu of natural gas to Benin, 33 trillion Btu to Togo, and 245 trillion Btu to Ghana. This has made natural gas the dominant source of electricity generation in these countries, accounting for 63% in Ghana, 66% in Togo, and 79% in Benin in 2022.
The natural gas delivered through the WAGP has also generated significant revenue for the countries involved, yielding over $123 million for Benin, $114 million for Togo, and $1 billion for Ghana from inception to 2022
The natural gas delivered through the WAGP has also generated significant revenue for the countries involved, yielding over $123 million for Benin, $114 million for Togo, and $1 billion for Ghana from inception to 2022.
To ensure that other ECOWAS member countries get access to natural gas through the pipeline, Kanya said that the Authority was working with ECOWAS Commission and other stakeholders to extend the WAGP beyond its current reach through the proposed African Atlantic Gas Pipeline (AAGP).
Dr. Touray emphasized the importance of the WAGP in achieving energy security, especially during the transition to greener energy sources. The ECOWAS Commission reaffirmed its support for the extension, recognizing the pipeline’s strategic regional significance.
The ECOWAS Commission reaffirmed its support for the extension, recognizing the pipeline’s strategic regional significance
The WAGP’s success demonstrates the potential for regional cooperation in addressing energy needs and promoting economic growth in West Africa.
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