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.
General Manager, Corporate Affairs of WAPCo, Dr Isaac AdjeiDoku, disclosed this during a media tour of the plant house in Lagos.
According to him, 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 explained.
The GM 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.”
