 gas pipeline completion.){kind=link}
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has invited new contractors to fast-track the completion of the $2.8 billion Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano(AKK) Natural Gas Pipeline project, a critical infrastructure aimed at unlocking Nigeria’s vast gas reserves and boosting industrial growth.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Bayo Ojulari, disclosed this at the 2025 AKK Business Development Forum, held under the theme, “AKK Pipeline Progress Update and Opportunities Engagement.” According to him, the decision to introduce new contractors underscores the company’s commitment to delivering the project within schedule and silencing skeptics who once described it as a “white elephant project.”
Ojulari described the AKK pipeline as a strategic economic lifeline that will transform Nigeria’s energy and industrial landscape. The 40-inch, high-pressure transmission pipeline, which operates at 1,000 pounds per square inch, is expected to supply up to 2.2 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily to power plants in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and other locations.
“This project is not just about infrastructure; it is about economic revitalisation, job creation, and national integration,” Ojulari said. “The AKK pipeline will power industries, generate electricity, and revive dormant manufacturing plants, particularly in Northern Nigeria.”
The NNPC boss revealed that over 1,900 skilled and semi-skilled Nigerians have already been employed directly on the project, with thousands more expected to benefit from spin-off economic activities when the pipeline becomes operational.
The second segment of the AKK project, spanning 320km, has seen remarkable progress, with all welding works, river crossings, and road crossings completed. According to Japhet Chairman, the Project Manager of AKK Gas Project, the introduction of additional contractors was approved to fast-track completion.
The Executive Director of Projects at the Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Company Ltd., Audu Ibrahim, also provided a progress update, revealing that:
Segment One is 79.76% complete, with pre-commissioning activities ongoing.
Overall completion stands at 83.05% as of July 19, 2025.
The entire pipeline is expected to be mechanically completed by November 2025.
Ojulari emphasised that the AKK project is a key pillar in Nigeria’s Decade of Gas Initiative, which seeks to expand gas-based industries and reduce over-reliance on crude oil. He also highlighted its potential impact on transportation, agriculture, and regional trade.
“The pipeline will enhance the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation, reduce fuel costs, and cut emissions. It will also boost agro-processing industries and open new gas trade routes to North Africa,” he explained.
Furthermore, the AKK pipeline will contribute to Nigeria’s clean energy transition by replacing diesel with natural gas, which emits significantly less carbon dioxide when used for power generation.
Beyond domestic benefits, Ojulari hinted at future extensions of the pipeline to North Africa, positioning Nigeria as a major player in transcontinental gas trade. “This is a unique opportunity to connect Africa economically, and we are determined to play our part,” he said.
With renewed efforts, strategic partnerships, and the engagement of additional contractors, the AKK Natural Gas Pipeline is on track to become one of Nigeria’s most transformative infrastructure projects. When completed, it is expected to drive industrialisation, improve power supply, create jobs, and boost regional trade, solidifying Nigeria’s position as a key player in Africa’s energy future.