As the curtains close on a pivotal chapter for the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo), Auwal Ibrahim, General Manager of Operations & Maintenance, has offered a thoughtful look back on what he calls “the busiest and most rewarding year” in the company’s history.
Reflecting on 2024, Mr. Ibrahim described the year as “challenging yet successful”—a period that pushed WAPCo’s operations to new heights while reinforcing its foundational values.
“2024 pushed us in every way—but it also showed what we’re capable of when safety, discipline, and teamwork are at the centre of everything we do.”
Mr. Auwal Ibrahim, General Manager of Operations & Maintenance of WAPCo
Under Ibrahim’s leadership, WAPCo executed a full sonar scan of its 569km offshore pipeline—one of the longest subsea inspections in the company’s operational history.
The project was lauded internally and externally for its technical rigor and minimal environmental disruption.
The team also carried out subsea valve inspections at key regional locations, including Cotonou (Benin), Lomé (Togo), and Tema (Ghana).
These efforts were pivotal in ensuring the continued integrity and reliability of the pipeline system that delivers natural gas across West Africa.
“Subsea work comes with inherent complexity. Each inspection involved months of planning, marine coordination, and safety drills. But our teams handled it all with remarkable professionalism.”
Mr. Auwal Ibrahim, General Manager of Operations & Maintenance of WAPCo
Among the most celebrated milestones of 2024 was WAPCo’s exemplary safety record—achieved in spite of an exceptionally high volume of field activity. Notably, the year concluded without a single Lost Time Injury (LTI), a testament to what Ibrahim called a “culture of preemptive caution.”
“Our excellent safety performance stands out because we never compromised.
“Every project began with thorough risk assessments and stayed grounded in careful execution. That mindset carried us through.”
Mr. Auwal Ibrahim, General Manager of Operations & Maintenance of WAPCo
Beyond risk management, WAPCo enhanced operational efficiency by embracing a more integrated project delivery model. Cross-functional collaboration between engineering, procurement, and field teams not only reduced project lead times but also generated notable cost savings.
Strategic Infrastructure Overhaul
Critical infrastructure improvements also defined Ibrahim’s final year. The operations team successfully replaced aging components such as concrete mattresses and subsea clamps, fortifying the physical resilience of the pipeline system.
At the Lagos Beach Compressor Station (LBCS), major overhauls of gas turbines were completed alongside the installation of a new gas generator, improving reliability and capacity at one of WAPCo’s most vital hubs.
“These upgrades were essential to ensure we’re not just maintaining our assets, but future-proofing them.”
Mr. Auwal Ibrahim, General Manager of Operations & Maintenance of WAPCo
While 2024 was a year of heavy lifting, Mr. Ibrahim departs confident in WAPCo’s trajectory. The company’s 2025 strategy is firmly anchored in its North Star Initiative, a long-term vision focused on operational efficiency, digital transformation, and asset health.
Mr. Ibrahim stated, “The lessons from 2024 have validated our approach. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved and optimistic about what lies ahead,” highlighting how the company is now better positioned to meet both regional energy demands and internal performance targets.
His optimism is shared by the wider WAPCo leadership, who have publicly recognized Ibrahim’s tenure as instrumental in laying the groundwork for a more resilient and responsive pipeline network.
As WAPCo continues its growth trajectory, the company is expected to build on the solid foundation Mr. Ibrahim has helped establish.
His contributions to infrastructure modernization, safety protocols, and stakeholder collaboration have laid the groundwork for continued success in regional gas transportation and energy efficiency.
WAPCo’s next phase of development will likely focus on expanding operational capabilities, integrating advanced monitoring systems, and strengthening supply-chain partnerships.
While Mr. Ibrahim’s role within WAPCo concludes, his impact on the company’s strategic vision remains enduring.
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