Sule Abdulaziz Re-Elected WAPP Chairman, Demands Compliance With Financial Obligations

Engr. Sule Ahmed Abdulaziz has been unanimously re-elected Chairman of the Executive Board of the West African Power Pool (WAPP) for another three-year term.

His re-election took place during the 68th meeting of the WAPP Executive Board held in Lomé, Togo, on October 8 and 9, 2026.

Abdulaziz, who expressed appreciation to members for their confidence, pledged to continue working with the board to advance regional electricity integration and strengthen the operations of the organisation.

He urged member utilities to embrace collective responsibility in developing a viable regional electricity market, stressing that board decisions must improve WAPP’s capacity to meet the energy needs of West African countries.

The chairman also called for the effective implementation of decisions taken at the board’s 67th meeting concerning the progressive establishment of the Independent System and Market Operator (ISMO).

He explained that the transition must preserve operational continuity through the interim role of the WAPP Information and Coordination Centre (ICC), while ensuring that the new structure operates within a sound legal, institutional and financial framework.

Abdulaziz emphasised the importance of financial discipline among member utilities, describing statutory contributions as essential to the organisation’s independence and operational effectiveness.

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

He urged member utilities to meet their financial obligations, while encouraging the WAPP Secretariat to sustain cost-reduction measures without undermining its essential functions.

On technical matters, Abdulaziz identified network synchronisation and the launch of the regional electricity market as key priorities requiring coordinated action by member countries and stakeholders.

He noted that network synchronisation represents a significant technical achievement but must be supported by coordinated system operations, adequate security arrangements and the readiness of market participants.

According to him, the regional electricity market can only deliver its expected benefits if it operates under clearly defined rules, reliable data systems, credible financial mechanisms and independent, effective governance.

Earlier, the WAPP Secretary General and Secretary of the Executive Board, Abdoulaye Dia, said the organisation had continued implementing institutional strengthening guidelines and measures towards the gradual operationalisation of the ISMO since the previous meeting.

Dia explained that the process includes functional and accounting unbundling, alongside an orderly transition that allows the ICC to maintain operational continuity during Phase Two of the Regional Electricity Market.

He said the progress recorded and the organisation’s growing visibility had attracted new partnerships, reaffirming the Secretariat’s commitment to developing an integrated, reliable and competitive regional electricity system.

Dia added that WAPP was preparing for the launch of the second phase of the regional market, scheduled for early 2027.

On the organisation’s finances, he stressed the need for member utilities to settle outstanding contributions, noting that regular funding, prudent financial management and collective discipline were critical to WAPP’s credibility and service delivery.

The board also considered a restructuring study on the operationalisation of the ISMO, which is intended to align the organisation with best practices and reduce the risk of political interference as the regional electricity market evolves.

Among other decisions, 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.

The meeting also welcomed new representatives of member utilities to the board.

They include Lawrent Tossou, Managing Director of Société Béninoise d’Énergie Électrique (SBEE), representing Benin; Amidou Traore, Director General of CI-ENERGIES; and Julien Sagna, representing the Société de Gestion de l’Énergie de Manantali (SOGEM).

In addition, the board reviewed applications from four utilities seeking membership of the regional power pool.

The applicants are Konexa of Nigeria; SOGESART, the Société de Gestion de l’Énergie de Sambangalou et du Réseau de Transport d’Électricité of Senegal; SOGEOH, the Société de Gestion de l’Énergie des Ouvrages du Haut Bassin du Fleuve Sénégal; and HOLDEN-Niger SARL, an independent power producer in Niger.

The four applications are expected to be submitted for ratification at the WAPP General Assembly scheduled to hold before the end of 2026.

The development was announced in a statement issued by the Management of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) on October 11, 2026.