Financial Energy Review
……..by Ben Ndubuwa……
The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has commenced a major offshore pipeline cleaning and inspection operation, aiming to ensure the safety and efficiency of its gas transportation services. The company announced this at a media engagement session held at its Lagos Beach Compressor Station in Badagry.
The exercise, which began on February 5, 2025, is scheduled to conclude by March 2, 2025. This routine maintenance, mandated by the West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA), occurs every five years and involves cleaning the pipeline, inspecting its internal walls, and replacing subsea valves.
Ensuring Pipeline Integrity and Compliance
Auwal Ibrahim, WAPCo’s General Manager, Operations & Maintenance, emphasized the importance of the exercise in maintaining the integrity of the 569-kilometer pipeline that transports gas from Nigeria to Benin, Togo, and Ghana.
> “WAPCo is committed to maintaining proactive stakeholder engagement throughout this process. We will continue to work closely with all relevant authorities and communities to ensure the project’s safe execution and success,” Ibrahim stated.
The company assured stakeholders that all activities are being carried out in line with industry best practices and environmental standards. WAPCo has installed an effluent management system at its Takoradi facility in Ghana to handle any liquids and debris collected during the cleaning process.
Minimal Service Disruptions and Safety Measures
WAPCo clarified that it is not halting all operations. Gas will still be transported to Takoradi, Ghana, with an average of 85,000 MMSCF/d required to push the Pipeline Inspection Gauge (PIG) through the pipeline.
The PIG, a specialized device used for cleaning and inspecting pipelines, will be introduced at WAPCo’s Lagos Beach Compressor Station in Badagry and will travel through the offshore pipeline to the Takoradi Regulating and Metering Station. Once the pipeline is sufficiently cleaned, an “intelligent pig” will be deployed to assess the pipeline’s internal condition.
To enhance safety, WAPCo has extensively engaged with regulatory agencies, host communities, and maritime authorities in Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and Ghana. Divers will also be deployed to replace subsea valves at key pipeline junctions.
Stakeholder Support and Environmental Considerations
The company expressed gratitude to the governments of Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo for their continued support, as well as to regulatory agencies and other stakeholders involved in the project.
WAPCo assured local communities that disruptions would be minimal, as most of the activities are offshore and within company facilities. Environmental Protection Agencies in the respective countries have also been engaged to oversee compliance with environmental regulations.
Next Steps and Future Updates
WAPCo has pledged to keep the public informed throughout the maintenance period. The company will provide regular updates to ensure transparency and maintain confidence in its operations.
As the inspection progresses, findings from the intelligent pig will help determine any additional maintenance needs, reinforcing WAPCo’s commitment to safe and reliable gas transportation in West Africa.
