The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) is set to begin a large-scale cleaning and inspection of its pipeline network on Monday, 25 November 2024.

The maintenance operation, which will be carried out in two phases, forms part of the company’s routine schedule to ensure the safe and efficient functioning of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP). The pipeline spans from Itoki in Nigeria’s Ogun State to Takoradi in Ghana’s Western Region.

In a statement, WAPCo described the exercise as a regulatory requirement and said it aligns with global industry best practices to uphold the pipeline’s integrity across the region.

Two-Phase Operation

The first phase of the inspection will focus on the onshore segment of the pipeline in Nigeria. This stage, which is expected to last 10 days, will have minimal impact on gas transportation services, WAPCo assured, citing extensive consultations with stakeholders ahead of the exercise.

The second phase, scheduled for January 2025, will involve the offshore section, stretching from Badagry in Lagos State, Nigeria, to Takoradi in Ghana. This phase will require the temporary suspension of reverse gas flow services from Ghana’s Western Region to Tema, along with the shutdown of key facilities in Tema, Lomé (Togo), and Cotonou (Benin).

As part of the process, WAPCo will replace subsea valves at strategic points to enhance operational safety.

Commitment to Safety

This inspection is part of WAPCo’s five-year maintenance cycle, with the last major check conducted in January 2020. The company reaffirmed its commitment to engaging with stakeholders throughout the project to ensure smooth execution.

WAPCo manages the West African Gas Pipeline, a key infrastructure facilitating the transport of natural gas from Nigeria to Benin, Togo, and Ghana, supporting the region’s sustainable energy development.

Source:TheDotNews