The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO) has announced a major maintenance exercise on its offshore pipeline infrastructure.
Scheduled to take place from today February 5 to March 2, 2025, the maintenance work is aimed at enhancing the safety and operational efficiency of the 569-kilometer offshore pipeline that runs from Ajido, Lagos State, Nigeria, to Takoradi, Western Region, Ghana.
“This maintenance project will necessitate the temporary suspension of specific services.
“[This] includes the reverse flow transportation of natural gas from Ghana’s Western Region to Tema in the east, as well as gas transportation services from Nigeria to Cotonou (Benin), Lomé (Togo), and Tema (Ghana).”
West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO)
This comprehensive cleaning and inspection project is a key regulatory requirement and aligns with industry best practices to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP).
Regular inspections of this nature are mandated to ensure the pipeline’s structural integrity and to prevent operational hazards.
Despite these temporary suspensions, WAPCO indicated that some gas transportation services from Nigeria to Takoradi in Ghana will continue during the maintenance period.
This arrangement is intended to minimize disruption while allowing the necessary pipeline cleaning and inspection activities to proceed efficiently.
The maintenance project aligns with international industry best practices and regulatory requirements to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the WAGP. The cleaning and inspection process will be conducted in two distinct phases.
“The first phase, which was completed in December 2024, involved cleaning and inspecting the onshore section of the pipeline within Nigeria.
“The second phase which is scheduled to start on February 5, 2025, will focus on the offshore section of the WAGP.”
West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO)
WAPCO is mandated to conduct these inspections every five years or based on a risk-assessment schedule as part of its commitment to maintaining pipeline integrity and preventing potential operational hazards.
WAPCO Engages Stakeholder
Recognizing the impact of this temporary service suspension, WAPCO has actively engaged with key stakeholders to align on the necessary steps for the successful execution of the project.
“WAPCO is grateful to the governments of Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo for their ongoing support.”
West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO)
The company also assured stakeholders that these maintenance activities will be executed with minimal environmental impact while adhering to the highest safety standards.
WAPCO again reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring that the WAGP continues to serve as a reliable energy transportation network that fosters economic growth and regional energy security in West Africa.
The temporary suspension of certain gas transportation services may have short-term implications for industries and power generation facilities that rely on the WAGP for natural gas supply.
Businesses and consumers in affected areas are advised to plan accordingly and explore alternative energy solutions where necessary.
However, WAPCO assured that this maintenance effort will ultimately strengthen the long-term reliability of the WAGP, thereby supporting economic development and energy stability in the region.
“The company remains committed to its mission of delivering a safe, secure, and efficient natural gas transportation system for West Africa.”
West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO)
As the maintenance project progresses, WAPCO is expected to provide updates on the status of the pipeline activities and any potential adjustments to the schedule. Stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed through official communications from the company.
The upcoming maintenance work on the West African Gas Pipeline underscores WAPCO’s dedication to safety, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance.
While some temporary service disruptions will occur, these efforts are crucial to maintaining the integrity of one of West Africa’s most important energy infrastructures.
With ongoing stakeholder collaboration and government support, the successful completion of this project will help ensure a stable and sustainable natural gas supply for the region in the years ahead.
READ ALSO: Economic Challenges Threaten Growth in Ghana and Nigeria– Deloitte Report
