WAGPA Inspects WAPCo Following Completion of Pipeline Maintenance
The West African Gas Pipeline Authority (WAGPA), led by its Director General, Chafari Kanya Hanawa, has conducted an inspection visit to the West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) following the successful completion of maintenance activities on the 20-inch, 678km-long pipeline.
The maintenance, which involved pigging and cleaning of the pipeline, was completed five days ahead of the initial March 2, 2025, deadline set by WAPCo. According to Ms. Hanawa, the exercise aimed to clear the pipeline of debris in accordance with regulatory and industry standards; inspect for corrosion, damage, or defects; enhance the system’s reliability and performance; and also replace subsea valves in Tema and Cotonou.
Speaking to the media during the inspection, Ms. Hanawa commended WAPCo for completing the maintenance ahead of schedule.
“To our surprise, WAPCo was able to finish the pigging even before the stipulated period. They wrote to us and informed us that the eastern section was completed, while operations on the western section were set to resume today, Thursday. Our visit is to assess the work done and communicate with the public. We understand that shutting down the pipeline, even for a short period, affects gas supply and has an impact on the population. However, such maintenance is crucial for the pipeline’s optimal operation,” she stated.
Ms. Hanawa further emphasized WAGPA’s role as a regulatory body, ensuring compliance with the laws agreed upon by the four State Parties—Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo.
“We operate strictly within the regulatory framework. If WAPCo adheres to regulations and completes maintenance ahead of schedule, it is a positive development. We report our findings to the Committee of Ministers, which consists of energy ministers from the four countries, who then report to their respective heads of state. This ensures that any necessary corrections or assistance for WAPCo’s optimal operation can be provided.”
The West African Gas Pipeline, with a total length of 678km, has a current capacity of 170 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd), with potential expansion to 474 MMscfd. Since its construction, the pipeline has facilitated the supply of approximately 245 million MMBTU of natural gas to Ghana, contributing to the generation of over 71,843 GWh of energy. This has resulted in energy cost savings exceeding $1 billion for the country.
Established under the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP) Treaty, WAGPA serves as the regulatory institution representing the four State Parties. Its primary objective is to boost economic development and promote regional integration through the sustainable supply of natural gas.
WAGPA’s core functions include representing the interests of the four nations, regulating the pipeline’s development and eventual decommissioning, and facilitating its efficient operation.
