Latest news with #WestAfricanGasPipeline
Korea Herald
22-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
Benin's Talon says ECOWAS in need of urgent reform
ABUJA, Nigeria (AFP) -- Benin President Patrice Talon said on Saturday that the west African regional bloc is in trouble, citing stalled infrastructure projects and weak trade links as reasons for reform. He spoke at a regional economic summit of west African nations in Abuja ahead of a routine gathering of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). "ECOWAS is a perfect example of regional integration. Unfortunately, our ECOWAS is in crisis right now," he was quoted as saying in a statement by the Nigerian presidency. Talon singled out the 678-kilometer West African Gas Pipeline through Benin and Togo as a key example of regional dysfunction, blaming delays and poor coordination for its failure to deliver energy across borders. "This failure of regional cooperation wastes resources and undermines integration," he said, adding that Benin now imports gas from Qatar to meet local demand. "It is ridiculous." He also raised concerns over the West African Power Pool, which was designed to link national electricity grids in the region. Despite years of investment, the project is underperforming. "Unless we act decisively, I'm not confident it ever will," Talon said. Talon's remarks aligned with those of Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu, who said intra-regional trade in west Africa remains below 10 percent. "This low trade is not due to a failure of will but a coordination failure," Tinubu said. "The global economy will not wait for west Africa to get its act together, and neither should we." Talon also said that US President Donald Trump's "trade war" with the rest of the world "should be a wake-up call for all of us." The United States is "giving us a very important lesson -- they are fighting for their own interests," he added.
Ya Biladi
22-05-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
US eyes investment In Nigeria-Morocco gas pipeline
The United States has shown strong interest in the gas pipeline project linking Morocco to Nigeria, according to media reports from Abuja. The Trump administration is showing «interest in investing in the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) project», said Nigeria's Minister of Finance and Economy, Wale Edun, during a press conference. This week, the minister visited Washington to attend the 2025 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. His Moroccan counterpart, Nadia Fettah Alaoui, also participated in the gatherings. The project enjoys the backing of Nigeria's federal government, in contrast to the difficulties faced by the Nigeria-Niger-Algeria pipeline, which has been hampered by crises in the Sahel and strained relations between Abuja and Niamey, and more recently between Niamey and Algiers. As a reminder, Amina Benkhadra, Director General of the National Office of Hydrocarbons and Mines (ONHYM), presented the significant progress of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) on March 6 in Washington. Her presentation took place during an event organized by an American think tank on the sidelines of the «Powering Africa Summit», which focused on energy partnerships between the United States and Africa.
Business Insider
11-05-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Nigeria engages Ghana over $75m gas debt, promotes Atlantic pipeline partnership
Nigeria and Ghana, two West African nations, have held talks on the sidelines of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) Committee of Ministers meeting in Accra to resolve a pending $75 million debt dispute. Nigeria and Ghana discussed resolving a $75 million gas debt dispute during the WAGP meeting. The Nigerian Minister of State for Petroleum met with President Mahama to discuss engagement with relevant agencies. Both nations reiterated their commitment to collaboration in the gas sector and to fulfilling financial obligations. Nigeria's Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ekpo Ekperipe, stated that he discussed the outstanding $75m gas debt with Ghana's President, John Dramani Mahama, during the meeting. The minister emphasized the need to engage relevant agencies in Ghana to settle the debt owed to Nigeria for gas supplied under the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) agreement. Ghana's outstanding debt currently stands at $75 million for gas supplied several months ago, with uncleared documentation hindering payment. Ekpo stressed the urgency of resolving the issue to safeguard energy cooperation and regional harmony, as outlined in the Treaty. Ghana's gas deal with Nigeria Nigeria supplies gas to Ghana through the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), a 678-kilometer regional infrastructure project designed to transport natural gas from Nigeria's Niger Delta to Benin, Togo, and Ghana. The WAGP is operated by the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo), a consortium that includes Chevron, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Shell, and national gas companies from Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Gas is primarily used by power plants in Ghana to generate electricity. Over the years, Ghana has occasionally fallen into arrears due to financial challenges in its energy sector, prompting Nigeria to demand payment to avoid supply disruptions. The recent $75 million arrears dispute is part of this ongoing supply and payment relationship. Nigeria seeks support for Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project The Nigerian Petroleum Minister also solicited Ghana's support for the African Atlantic Gas Pipeline Project, a strategic project aimed at deepening regional ties in areas of energy security and economic cooperation. " We are committed to sustaining continued collaboration with Ghana in the gas sector, ' he stated, reaffirming Nigeria's readiness to resolve all outstanding matters related to gas supply under the WAGP agreement. President Mahama, in his response, expressed appreciation for the minister's comments and shared concerns, reiterating Ghana's commitment to fulfilling its financial obligations to the West African Gas Pipeline project and promoting regional stability and prosperity. Notably, in February, the Ghanaian government announced plans to negotiate with Nigeria's N-Gas Limited to settle a $37.5 million payment, part of the outstanding debt for gas supplied to Ghana's power plants. However, the Managing Director of N-Gas has not confirmed or denied whether the payment was made.
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Africa's Gas & Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Potential: Tapping Opportunities for Sustainable Growth
Africa's natural gas and LNG potential is a cornerstone of the continent's energy future. According to the African Energy Chamber's (AEC) ( State of African Energy 2025 Outlook Report, Africa's gas reserves could support a fourfold increase in LNG exports by 2040. Gas-to-power initiatives offer a vital solution to the continent's electricity access challenges, while also providing a pathway to monetize underutilized gas resources. With the right investments and collaborative efforts, Africa is poised to unlock the full potential of its gas sector, driving economic growth and energy security. Major Projects Driving Africa's Gas Potential Several large-scale projects are driving Africa's gas potential, with LNG exports seen as a critical part of the continent's energy future. Africa has the capacity to increase its LNG export capacity almost fourfold by 2040 – says the AEC's report – with a projected 175 million tons of LNG per year. Currently, Africa's LNG exports stand at around 40 million tons, suggesting massive room for growth. Mozambique, a major growth driver for the continent's LNG sector, has the potential to achieve LNG export capacity of up to 50 million tons by 2040, though this potential has been tempered by security concerns, particularly in onshore areas. These challenges have led companies to look toward smaller offshore floating LNG (FLNG) solutions. For example, the Eni's Coral North FLNG project in Mozambique is being developed incrementally as an offshore solution, though it remains smaller in scale than the onshore alternatives. Other key projects include significant developments in Senegal and Mauritania. These nations are poised to become major LNG exporters, with developments such as the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) project – co-led by bp and international partners – expected to play a pivotal role in the continent's LNG growth, especially as it progresses to its second phase. Risk Factors and Investment Outlook While the path to realizing Africa's gas and LNG potential presents challenges, there are significant opportunities for growth. As noted in the report, developing both domestic and export markets is crucial to fully unlocking the continent's gas resources. Large-scale pipeline projects, such as the West African Gas Pipeline and Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, could play a vital role in connecting African gas to additional markets, including Europe. Although these projects face financing and political complexities, successful collaboration and strategic investments can pave the way for their advancement, unlocking new economic opportunities and expanding Africa's energy reach. Security remains one of the most significant risks, particularly in regions like Mozambique, where insurgencies have already disrupted major projects. While offshore FLNG projects, such as Coral North, provide a more flexible and secure option, they also come with higher capital costs and reduced production capacity compared to onshore facilities. AEW 2025 to Highlight Growth Opportunities Africa's growing role in the global energy market, along with its proximity to key international markets, positions it as a critical player in the future of natural gas. The Chamber's report emphasizes that Africa's gas potential can be fully realized with the right investments, including de-risking strategies, improved regulatory frameworks and greater collaboration among governments, industry stakeholders and financiers. This year's African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference provides a vital platform for addressing challenges and opportunities within Africa's gas and LNG sector, and discussing strategies for unlocking Africa's full energy potential. With investment in gas and LNG projects continuing to grow, AEW 2025 offers a strategic opportunity to showcase the continent's progress, identify investment gaps and promote collaboration among governments and the private sector to mitigate risks. AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit for more information about this exciting event. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
