The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has announced that it has completed 70% of its ongoing maintenance works, signaling progress toward resuming gas supply to Tema and other destinations.
The maintenance project, which includes a comprehensive offshore pipeline cleaning and inspection exercise known as pigging, was originally scheduled to commence on February 3, 2025, and is expected to be fully completed by March 2, 2025.
Hilary Ojimba, WAPCo’s Operations and Maintenance Superintendent for Eastern Operations (covering Nigeria and Benin), emphasized the company’s commitment to safety.
“We are safety-driven, not schedule-driven, even as we focus on completing these maintenance activities on schedule.
“The safety of every person on these projects is our priority, and that is what matters to us as leaders.”
Hilary Ojimba, WAPCo’s Operations and Maintenance Superintendent for Eastern Operations (covering Nigeria and Benin)
WAPCo’s offshore maintenance activities are advancing steadily, with teams ensuring a balance between efficiency and safety. The pipeline cleaning and inspection team, alongside the subsea valve replacement team, have recorded significant milestones in their respective tasks.
Currently, the subsea valve replacement team is at its first designated location, where divers are undertaking preparatory activities before replacing the valves.
Onshore, the cleaning and inspection team has successfully launched the fourth Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG), also known as a calliper pig.
This tool will provide valuable data on the internal conditions of the offshore pipeline, enabling engineers to assess its integrity and make informed maintenance decisions.
The West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) is a critical infrastructure that facilitates the transportation of natural gas from Nigeria to Benin, Togo, and Ghana.
Its reliability is essential for power generation and industrial activities in these countries. The ongoing maintenance is aimed at safeguarding the integrity of this infrastructure, ensuring safe and efficient gas transportation across the region.
Ing. Benoni Owusu Ayeh, WAPCo’s Operations and Maintenance Superintendent for Western Operations, which oversees Togo and Ghana, stressed the importance of the project.
“We know how critical our infrastructure is to the countries in which we operate, and we do not take this responsibility lightly.
“We are focused on safely completing these maintenance activities on schedule to resume safe, reliable gas transportation services to our customers in Benin, Ghana, and Togo.”
Ing. Benoni Owusu Ayeh, WAPCo’s Operations and Maintenance Superintendent for Western Operations
Safeguarding Infrastructure for Economic Growth
The maintenance works include a range of activities beyond pigging and subsea valve replacement. WAPCo is also undertaking ancillary works at its facilities in Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo.
These efforts are expected to enhance the durability and operational efficiency of the pipeline system, preventing potential disruptions in gas supply.
Afolabi Oladimeji Ogunmefun, WAPCo’s Deputy Manager Asset Integrity and project lead for the maintenance works, highlighted the broader objective of the project:
“Our focus remains safeguarding the integrity of our assets to sustain safe, reliable, and efficient gas transportation in Benin, Togo, and Ghana for power generation to support economic growth as envisaged by the sponsors of the WAGP project.”
Afolabi Oladimeji Ogunmefun, WAPCo’s Deputy Manager Asset Integrity and project lead
For Ghana, where Tema is a key industrial hub, the resumption of gas supply will be crucial in stabilizing the power sector.
Industries and power plants in the area heavily rely on natural gas to fuel electricity generation. Any disruptions in supply could lead to energy shortages, affecting businesses and households alike.
The successful completion of WAPCo’s maintenance will not only ensure consistent gas supply but will also contribute to economic stability by reducing reliance on costlier alternative energy sources.
The Ghanaian government and energy stakeholders are closely monitoring the progress, recognizing the strategic role WAGP plays in the country’s energy mix.
With 70% of the maintenance work completed, WAPCo is well on track to meet its target completion date of March 2, 2025.
The company remains focused on ensuring that all activities are executed safely and effectively. Once finalized, the resumption of gas supply will bolster energy security in the region, benefiting businesses and consumers alike.
As WAPCo approaches the final stages of its maintenance project, industry players and energy consumers across West Africa await the restoration of full gas transportation services.
The ongoing efforts underscore the company’s commitment to infrastructure integrity and regional economic growth, reinforcing its position as a critical energy transporter in West Africa.
