The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors (CBOD), Ghana, Dr. Patrick Ofori, has underscored the need for stronger collaboration among West African countries to boost regional energy trade and integration.
Speaking at the 19th OTL Africa Downstream Energy Week in Lagos, Nigeria, Dr. Ofori noted that unlike East Africa—where member states have advanced in integrating payment systems and pipeline contracting for product supply—West Africa continues to lag behind in developing a unified petroleum market.
“If we don’t step up our collaboration in West Africa, we will continue to operate in isolation. East Africa has made significant progress with regional payment systems and joint pipeline management. By now, we should have gone beyond just the West African Gas Pipeline,” Dr. Ofori stated.
He added that with the Dangote Refinery now operational, the region must seize the opportunity to establish a common pricing framework and create an enabling environment where refined products can move seamlessly between Nigeria, Ghana, and neighbouring markets.
“We need to create a system where petrol can move directly from Nigeria to Ghana—either through pipelines or shared vessel operations. That requires currency compatibility and a unified petroleum policy to support trade flows,” he explained.
Dr. Ofori further emphasised that Ghana and Nigeria must take the lead in driving this regional alignment, noting that other countries would naturally follow.
“You cannot downplay Nigeria’s impact on the petroleum economy. It’s a major player, and any meaningful regional integration must start with Nigeria and Ghana,” the CBOD CEO said.
Discover more from Energy News Africa
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.