WAPCo’s Managing Director, Mr. Abiodun Bodunrin, has reaffirmed the critical role of cross‑border energy infrastructure in advancing regional integration, strengthening energy security, and supporting sustainable development across Africa.

He made these remarks while speaking as a panellist at the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES) 2026, held in Abuja from February 2–5, 2026.

Drawing on WAPCo’s experience operating the 678‑kilometre West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP)—which spans Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana—Mr. Bodunrin shared key lessons relevant to the development of future regional energy corridors across the continent.

He emphasized the importance of robust cross‑border treaties, harmonised fiscal and regulatory frameworks, and clear investment structures to ensure the long‑term sustainability of regional energy projects amid evolving political landscapes. He noted that the success of WAGP is underpinned by an ECOWAS‑backed treaty framework and the establishment of the West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA), which provides a uniform regulatory regime across participating countries.

Mr. Bodunrin also highlighted the critical role of Public‑Private Partnerships (PPPs), stressing that commercial viability, combined with strong government participation, is essential for sustaining large‑scale regional energy infrastructure.

Reflecting on early operational challenges—including gas supply reliability, high capital expenditure, tariff pressures, payment security, and infrastructure constraints—he noted that WAPCo has made significant progress in addressing these issues. In 2025, WAGP recorded its best performance year on record, achieving 99% asset availability and delivering peak gas volumes 22% higher year‑on‑year, supported by infrastructure upgrades and strong collaboration with partners, including NNPC.

He further revealed that the pipeline has evolved from a unidirectional system into a fully bidirectional network, enabling gas to flow efficiently from multiple supply points to demand centres across the region.

According to Mr. Bodunrin, WAGP now stands as a predictable, reliable, and scalable regional energy corridor, supported by the governments of Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana, and well positioned to contribute meaningfully to Africa’s industrial growth, regional cooperation, peace, and clean energy transition.

The panel discussion also explored the potential for a One Africa Gas Corridor Initiative—a Nigeria‑led vision aimed at connecting Africa’s gas infrastructure, aligning policies, mobilising joint investments, and strengthening the continent’s position in the global energy landscape.