By Atlantic Reports

The Managing Director of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Mr Sule Abdulaziz, has been re-elected Executive Chairman of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) Board for another three-year term.

TCN announced the development in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, saying the election took place during the board’s 68th meeting, held on October 8 and 9 in Lomé, Togo.

In his acceptance speech, Abdulaziz thanked board members and called for stronger cooperation in developing a viable regional electricity market.

He said decisions taken by the board must strengthen WAPP’s ability to respond to West Africa’s energy needs.

Regional Market Requires Clear Rules

Abdulaziz identified network synchronisation and preparations for the regional electricity market as key technical priorities.

He said synchronisation needed to be supported by coordinated system operations, appropriate security arrangements and market readiness among participants.

According to him, the regional market would require clearly understood rules, reliable data, credible financial mechanisms and effective independent governance.

He recalled that the previous board meeting had approved principles for progressively establishing an Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO), with the WAPP Information and Coordination Centre (ICC) maintaining operational continuity during the transition.

Abdulaziz said implementation must rest on a sound legal, institutional and financial framework that protects the interests of WAPP and its members.

Outstanding Contributions Remain a Concern

The chairman urged member utilities to meet their financial obligations, describing statutory contributions as essential to the organisation’s independence and operations.

“Statutory contributions are not a formality; they are the basis of WAPP’s autonomy and capacity to act,” he said.

He also encouraged the secretariat to reduce costs without weakening critical functions.

WAPP Secretary-General and Executive Board Secretary, Mr Abdoulaye Dia, reiterated the need to settle outstanding contributions during discussions on member payments and the pool’s 2025 financial statements.

The statement did not disclose the total amount outstanding or identify utilities with unpaid contributions.

Second Market Phase Planned for Early 2027

Dia said work was continuing on institutional reforms and the gradual establishment of the ISMO, including the separation of functions and accounts.

He said the ICC would support continuity during the transition, with the second phase of the regional electricity market scheduled for inauguration in early 2027.

The board also discussed a restructuring study intended to support the ISMO’s operation and reduce the risk of political interference as the market develops.

The planned launch remains a future milestone. The statement did not provide detailed readiness benchmarks or explain when consumers could expect measurable benefits from the next phase.

Partnerships and Membership Applications

The board adopted the Charter of the Forum for Women in Energy in West Africa and a memorandum of understanding with the Millennium Challenge Account Côte d’Ivoire.

It also welcomed new representatives: Mr Lawrent Tossou of Société Béninoise d’Énergie Électrique, Mr Amidou Traore of CI-ENERGIES and Mr Julien Sagna of Société de Gestion de l’Énergie de Manantali.

Four membership applications were reviewed, covering Konexa of Nigeria, SOGESART of Senegal, SOGEOH and HOLDEN–Niger SARL.

According to TCN, the applications will go before the WAPP General Assembly for ratification before the end of 2026.

Abdulaziz’s renewed term places him at the helm as WAPP pursues market reforms whose effectiveness will depend on reliable operations, sustained funding and accountable governance.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.