The ambitious West African Power Pool (WAPP) project to bring electricity from Nigeria to its landlocked neighbors may face delays due to political instability and insecurity in Niger and Burkina Faso. This warning comes from Siengui Apollinaire Ki, Secretary-General of WAPP, who addressed the situation at the 7th meeting of the project’s Joint Supervision Committee in Abuja.
Ki revealed that the project’s original completion target of 2024 is no longer feasible due to the challenges in Niger and Burkina Faso. The revised deadline is now set for 2025. The project, with a hefty price tag of nearly $700 million, aims to connect energy-rich Nigeria with Burkina Faso, Niger, Togo, Benin Republic, and other West African countries.
Despite the setback, Ki highlighted the project’s potential to unlock new markets for Nigerian energy generation companies. He further emphasized the crucial role of international donors in making the project a reality. The World Bank leads the funding pool with a 60% contribution, followed by the African Development Bank, the European Union, and Nigeria itself.
The political and security issues in Niger and Burkina Faso pose a significant obstacle to the project’s progress. These countries have been grappling with instability for some time, making it difficult to ensure the smooth implementation of such a large-scale infrastructure project.
The news of the potential delay will be concerning for many West African countries eagerly awaiting access to the reliable and affordable electricity that the WAPP project promises. The project holds the potential to transform the region’s energy landscape and boost economic development. However, overcoming the challenges in Niger and Burkina Faso will be critical to ensuring its success.
