Nigerian-led WAPP Declares Electricity Supply Fundamental Human Right
CHIGOZIE AMADI
The West African Power Pool (WAPP), a specialised institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has declared that access to electricity supply remains a fundamental human right.
WAPP covers 14 of the 15 countries of the regional economic community, including Nigeria, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
The meeting was presided over by Mamadou Coulibaly, Minister of Mines, Petroleum, and Energy, Côte d’Ivoire, according to a statement by the General Manager of Nigeria’s state-owned Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Ndidi Mbah.
In his opening remarks, the minister emphasized that access to electricity is a fundamental right and a vital necessity. Highlighting the scale of resources required to meet growing regional electricity demands, he called for collaborative efforts across ECOWAS member states.
“He stated that we must work together, pooling our financial and natural resources to make it work,” the statement made available in Abuja said.
Coulibaly stressed the importance of cross-border cooperation, describing energy as a resource that transcends barriers. He commended WAPP for its vital role in promoting regional integration and reaffirmed Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to advancing energy production and sharing to support the ECOWAS community’s growing electricity needs.
Speaking at the event, the ECOWAS Commissioner for Infrastructure, Energy, and Digitalisation, Mr. Sediko Douka, provided an overview of ongoing efforts to enhance the electricity sector.
He underscored the importance of robust institutional and regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development, and improved energy access. He noted that challenges such as the demand-supply deficit and low electricity access remain critical barriers to the sector’s progress.
Addressing the Assembly, the Chairman of WAPP, Sule Abdulaziz, reaffirmed the commitment of member utilities to the organisation’s vision. He announced the appointment of Mr. Abdoulaye Dia from Senegal as the new Secretary General, beginning a three-year renewable term, and also welcomed eight new power utility members to the General Assembly.
Earlier, Acting Secretary General of the WAPP, Nazif Abdukadir, presented key achievements, including the operationalization of the Regional Market Information and Coordination Centre.
