The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has announced plans to begin a comprehensive cleaning and inspection of its pipeline infrastructure starting Monday, November 25, 2024.   

The exercise aims to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP), and is part of WAPCo’s regular maintenance schedule.

According to a statement released by the company, the inspection will be conducted in two phases, covering the entire pipeline from Itoki in Ogun State, Nigeria, to Takoradi in Ghana’s Western Region.

This initiative is a regulatory requirement and aligns with global industry best practices to maintain the pipeline’s operational integrity across the West African sub-region.

The first phase, scheduled to last 10 days, will focus on the onshore segment of the pipeline located within Nigeria.

WAPCo has assured stakeholders that there will be no major disruptions to gas transportation services during this phase, as extensive consultations have been undertaken ahead of the exercise.

The second phase, set to begin in January 2025, will involve cleaning and inspecting the offshore section of the pipeline, which spans from Badagry in Lagos State, Nigeria, to Takoradi in Ghana.

This phase will temporarily suspend reverse gas flow transportation from Ghana’s Western Region to Tema, as well as shut down key facilities in Tema, Lomé (Togo), and Cotonou (Benin). 

Additionally, WAPCo will replace sub-sea valves at strategic locations to enhance operational safety.

This inspection is part of WAPCo’s mandatory five-year maintenance cycle, with the last major inspection conducted in January 2020.

The company emphasised its commitment to engaging stakeholders throughout the process to ensure the project’s smooth execution.

WAPCo operates the West African Gas Pipeline, facilitating the transportation of natural gas from Nigeria to neighbouring countries, including Benin, Togo, and Ghana, to promote sustainable energy development in the region.