Nigeria’s Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has been elected chairman of the Committee of Ministers of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) Project.

The announcement was made at the just-concluded Committee meeting held in Accra, Ghana.

Ekpo’s one-year tenure will see him overseeing the regional energy initiative that transports natural gas from Nigeria to Benin, Togo, and Ghana through the 678-kilometer pipeline managed by the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo).

In his acceptance speech, Ekpo thanked member states for their trust, pledging to prioritize stable gas supply and ensure stakeholder profitability.

“I am deeply honoured by this election. I will work to ensure uninterrupted gas supply, project profitability, and enhanced cooperation within our bloc,” Ekpo said.

He also emphasized his commitment to upholding the values of the WAGP Treaty.While in Ghana, Ekpo paid a courtesy visit to President John Dramani Mahama.

During their meeting, Ekpo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to resolving gas supply issues and strengthening bilateral energy cooperation.

“Nigeria remains dedicated to supporting Ghana and all member nations. We are ready to resolve outstanding issues and deepen collaboration,” he assured.Ekpo further urged Ghana to expedite action on proposed fiscal amendments to the WAGP Act to align with current realities.

President Mahama welcomed the visit and gave assurances of Ghana’s commitment to the project: “Ghana will continue to meet its financial obligations and support the shared goal of regional energy security,” he said.

The Nigerian minister also rallied support for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project, aimed at boosting West Africa’s energy cooperation.