By Faridat Salifu
The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has launched an extensive inspection and maintenance operation on its 569-kilometre offshore gas pipeline, which extends from Ajido in Lagos State, Nigeria, to Takoradi in Ghana.
This operation commenced on February 5, 2025, and is projected to conclude by March 2, 2025.
Dr. Isaac Adjei-Doku, General Manager of Corporate Affairs at WAPCo, highlighted the importance of this initiative in ensuring the integrity and safety of the pipeline, which is crucial for gas delivery across West Africa.
Activities involved in the maintenance include pigging and in-line inspections to uphold safety and efficiency standards.
In addition, the operation will involve replacing key subsea valves at strategic points in Tema, Ghana, and Cotonou, Benin, to bolster the reliability of gas supply.
Dr. Doku emphasized that this maintenance is not merely a regulatory obligation but a testament to WAPCo’s commitment to best practices and sustainability.
As part of the maintenance, certain services like the reverse flow of natural gas from Ghana’s Western Region to Tema and gas transport from Nigeria to Cotonou and Lomé will be temporarily halted, although gas flow to Takoradi will remain uninterrupted to facilitate ongoing inspections.
Doku underscored the significance of stakeholder engagement in the execution of the project, noting WAPCo’s collaboration with governments and partners in Ghana, Togo, and Benin to prepare for maintenance activities and mitigate any disruptions.
“Our proactive communication with stakeholders is crucial to ensure everyone is informed and ready to respond to the temporary service suspensions,” he stated.
He reaffirmed WAPCo’s dedication to operational excellence and transparency, aiming for a smooth maintenance operation that protects the future energy supply in the region.
