The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has announced the commencement of a major cleaning and inspection exercise on the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP). The operation is set to begin on Monday, November 25, 2024, and is part of WAPCo’s commitment to ensuring the safe and efficient operation of its pipeline infrastructure.
In a statement, WAPCo described the maintenance work as a critical regulatory requirement that adheres to global industry standards. The comprehensive exercise will cover the entire pipeline system, extending from Itoki in Ogun State, Nigeria, to Takoradi in Ghana’s Western Region. According to the company, this initiative is aimed at maintaining the integrity of the pipeline and ensuring its continued reliable service across the West African region.
The project will be executed in two phases. The first phase, beginning on November 25, will focus on the onshore section of the pipeline located in Nigeria. This initial phase is expected to last 10 days, during which WAPCo does not anticipate any significant disruptions to gas transportation services.
The second phase of the project is scheduled to start in January 2025 and will involve the offshore section of the pipeline. This section stretches from Badagry in Lagos State, Nigeria, to Takoradi in Ghana. During this phase, WAPCo will temporarily suspend the reverse flow transportation of gas from the Western Region of Ghana to Tema. Additionally, key facilities in Tema, Ghana; Lomé, Togo; and Cotonou, Benin, will be shut down to facilitate the replacement of subsea valves at strategic locations, further enhancing operational safety.
Ahead of the exercise, WAPCo has engaged with relevant stakeholders to ensure a smooth process and minimize any potential impact on operations. The company reiterated that this project is part of its ongoing efforts to uphold high standards of safety, reliability, and efficiency in its operations.
This cleaning and inspection project reflects WAPCo’s broader mission of supporting energy infrastructure development and fostering energy security across West Africa.
