The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) increased its gas deliveries by more than 20 percent in 2025. This marks the strongest performance for the pipeline operator since it began commercial operations in 2011. The company has maintained this momentum into 2026, achieving record delivery rates across its system.
This significant growth reflects improving infrastructure reliability and rising demand for natural gas across West Africa. WAPCo’s managing director, Abiodun Bodunrin, highlighted these gains at the West African Gas Summit 2026 in Accra. The increased volumes are positioning the region for a new phase of energy integration, supporting industrialisation and power generation expansion.
This improved performance is crucial for Ghana’s energy security and economic development. Reliable gas supply helps reduce reliance on more expensive or less environmentally friendly fuel sources for electricity generation. Ghana’s energy sector benefits from stable gas supplies to power its thermal plants, which are vital for economic activity. The growth in throughput also indicates a healthier regional energy market, benefiting participating countries like Benin, Togo, and Nigeria.
Abiodun Bodunrin stated that 2025 marked WAPCo’s best year since commercial operations began in 2011. He noted that average throughput in the first quarter of this year rose to about 257,000 MMBtu per day. This is up from historical averages of around 219,000 MMBtu per day. Peak delivery rates have now reached approximately 315,000 MMBtu per day.
Looking ahead, WAPCo plans to significantly increase its system capacity. The company aims to boost gas deliveries from Nigeria by an additional 100 million standard cubic feet per day this year. This represents roughly a 70 percent increase compared with last year’s levels. Over the next five years, WAPCo plans to increase system capacity by almost 80 percent relative to 2025 through various upgrades. These upgrades will occur at receiving and metering stations across the network.
However, significant challenges could hinder these ambitious plans. Payment discipline remains one of the most critical constraints facing the regional gas industry. Mr. Bodunrin cautioned that payment challenges persist throughout the West African gas value chain. These issues could undermine efforts to attract new investment. Additionally, only about 30 percent of current transported volumes are supported by firm contracts. The remaining volumes rely on less secure interruptible arrangements. Lenders and investors typically require long-term contractual commitments before financing major infrastructure expansions. This lack of long-term contracts makes it difficult to secure funding for further growth. The reliability of gas supply from Nigeria, the dominant source for the pipeline, also remains a key factor.