ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Federal Government has reiterated its resolve to maintain steady gas supply from Nigeria to Togo, Benin Republic, and Ghana as part of efforts to address energy poverty and drive economic growth in the West African sub-region.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a meeting with the outgoing and incoming Managing Directors of the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo).
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Louis Ibah, Ekpo said, “The Tinubu-led Federal Government is very committed to ensuring steady gas supply to neighbouring countries, including the Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana, to combat energy poverty and foster economic prosperity.”
As Chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the West African Gas Pipeline, Ekpo highlighted that the Tinubu administration has recorded “significant strides in advancing the gas sector over the past two years, marked by notable progress in developing gas infrastructure, reducing gas flaring, and increasing gas availability for both export and domestic consumption.”
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He added, “President 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.
Gas supply within the West African subregion is a top priority for the Federal Government, especially supplies to Benin Republic, Togo, and Ghana, to fuel energy and stem energy poverty as a key imperative for economic prosperity in the sub-region.”
The minister commended outgoing WAPCo Managing Director, Ms. Michelle Burkett, for her visionary leadership and tireless efforts in driving the company to achieve success during her tenure, and assured the incoming MD, Mr. Abiodun Bodunrin, of government’s full support.
In his response, Bodunrin called for the minister’s backing to achieve his goal of “ensuring a reliable and uninterrupted gas supply from Nigeria for onward distribution to regional consumers.”