By Spendilove Incoom
The West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCo) has announced a revised schedule for its offshore pipeline cleaning and inspection exercise, commonly referred to as “pigging.”
Originally scheduled to begin on January 20, 2025, the exercise will now commence on February 3, 2025, to better align with the interests of key stakeholders.
The four-week exercise will involve a temporary suspension of reverse gas flow from Ghana’s Western Region to Tema and the shutdown of key facilities in Ghana (Tema), Togo (Lomé), and Benin (Cotonou). During this period, WAPCo will replace subsea valves at strategic locations to enhance operational safety.
This cleaning and inspection activity is a critical regulatory requirement and adheres to best practices within the industry to ensure the efficient operation of the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP). The initiative spans the entire pipeline infrastructure from Itoki in Ogun State, Nigeria, to Takoradi in Ghana’s Western Region.
The exercise is being executed in two phases:
- Phase One: Completed in December 2024, this phase covered the onshore section of the pipeline within Nigeria.
- Phase Two: Scheduled from February 3 to March 2, 2025, focusing on the offshore section of the WAGP, stretching from Badagry, Lagos State, Nigeria, to Takoradi, Ghana. As part of its commitment to safety and reliability, WAPCo conducts these inspections every five years to ensure the integrity of the pipeline and maintain its reliable operation across the West African region.
