The Executive Board Chairman of the West African Power Pool (WAPP), Engr. Sule Abdulaziz has described the 330kV North Core Interconnection project as a shared commitment and a catalyst for regional industrial revolution in West Africa.
Abdulaziz who is also the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) stated this during the fifth Donors Joint Supervision Meeting of the North Core project held recently in Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The WAPP Chairman who said that the 880 kilometres of transmission lines project connecting Nigeria, Niger, Benin, Togo and Burkina Faso is 46% completed, added that when fully delivered, will unlock new economic opportunities and improve access to essential services like healthcare and education.
According to him, “today we find ourselves at a pivotal crossroads. The WAPP North Core Project stands as a living testament to the power of collaboration across boarders, sectors, and cultures. This is more than just an infrastructure project, it is a shared commitment to the future of our people and together we are building not just transmission lines, but the foundation for a brighter, more integrated future.”
While commending the donors, he said that “to our invaluable donor partners, the African Development Bank, and the World Bank, your support has been the backbone of this initiative. The financial investment, technical expertise and strategic foresight you’ve provided have turned this vision into a reality. We are deeply grateful for your ongoing commitment without which the project would not have made any strides.”
The WAPP Boss maintained that “the world is changing and so is West Africa. This project is not merely a solution to today’s challenges but a step towards a future where our region is powered by innovation, collaboration, and a shared vision for progress.”
Abdulaziz who emphasized that upon completion, the project will attract investment that will help fuel local economies, however noted that “even though we’ve made significant strides with 46% completion, we must recognize that our work is not done. The final stages implementation will require continued collaboration, innovation and commitment to overcome the technical, financial and operational hurdles that lie ahead.
On his part, the WAPP Secretary General, Mr. Abdoulaye Dia, emphasized the importance of collective commitment to completing the 330kV North Core despite security and political challenges impacting progress.
While reiterating that the project has achieved 46% completion and created significant socio-economic benefits, he called for renewed cooperation to finalize the project and enhance regional energy integration for sustainable growth.
Representatives of the donors and partners in their respective addresses, reaffirmed the commitment of their organizations to continue to provide financial and technical support for the speedy completion of the project.
The four days meeting which discussed the status of the project with donors and partners was attended by the representatives of ministries of Power, Energy, Finance, and Economy as well as Executive Directors of electricity companies of Benin, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria and Togo.
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