WAPCo begins inspection, maintenance of 569km gas pipeline

The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has officially commenced a major inspection and maintenance operation on its 569-kilometre offshore pipeline that runs from Ajido in Lagos State, Nigeria, to Takoradi in Ghana.

The operation, which began on February 5, 2025, is expected to be completed by March 2, 2025.

The initiative is said to be critical for maintaining the integrity and safety of the pipeline that plays a vital role in delivering gas across the West African region.

General Manager, Corporate Affairs of WAPCo, Dr Isaac AdjeiDoku, disclosed this during a media tour of the plant house in Lagos.

He said that the operation involves a series of activities, including pigging (pipeline instrumentation gauge) and in-line inspections, aimed at ensuring the pipeline operates at the highest safety and efficiency standards.

Doku added that the maintenance activities would also necessitate the replacement of critical subsea valves at strategic locations, including Tema in Ghana and Cotonou in Benin Republic, further enhancing the operational reliability of the gas supply.

“The current maintenance operation is not just a regulatory requirement; it represents a commitment to best practices and the long-term sustainability of the West Africa Gas Pipeline (WAGP).”

“As an asset owner, our priority is to keep the pipeline in pristine condition. This involves comprehensive cleaning and inspections every five years to prevent any operational incident and to comply with regulations set forth by the West Africa Gas Pipeline Authority (WACPA),” Doku emphasised.

Doku explained that as part of the maintenance process, certain services, such as the reverse flow of natural gas from Ghana’s Western Region to Tema, as well as gas transportation from Nigeria to Cotonou (Benin) and Lomé (Togo), would be temporarily suspended. However, gas flow to Takoradi will continue to support ongoing cleaning and inspection operations.

The general manager also said that stakeholders’ engagement had been central to the successful implementation of the project, adding that WAPCo has worked closely with relevant governments and partners in Ghana, Togo, and Benin to prepare for the maintenance and to mitigate potential disruptions.

“Our proactive engagement with stakeholders will ensure that all parties are informed and can adequately respond to the anticipated temporary service suspensions.”

Doku, while reiterating WAPCo’s long-standing commitment to operational excellence and stakeholders’ collaboration, stated: “As we navigate this critical phase, we remain dedicated to transparency and open communication with all parties involved. Our aim is to ensure a seamless maintenance operation that safeguards the future of energy supply in West Africa.”