The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) announces success with it’s ongoing Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline project, which has successfully crossed the river Niger. The project which has been experiencing significant challenges with river crossing, however, the barrier slowing down the construction has been lifted using Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology, minimizing environmental impact.
Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline which was officially approved in December 2017, is a monumental infrastructure project in Nigeria, which is designed to transport natural gas from the southern part of the country to the northern states, fostering industrialization, power generation, and domestic gas utilization.
Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, who announced the significant milestone while delivering a Keynote Address at the 24th NOG Energy Week (#NOGEnergyWeek) on Tuesday, said the feat was achieved through effective and innovative contract reengineering and industry collaboration. He also disclosed that for the first time in a long while, the nation enjoyed 100% crude oil pipeline availability throughout June 2025.
He said the feat, which was possible through the industry-wide security interventions led by the NNPC Ltd., helped to boost crude oil production in the country.
The AKK pipeline is a 40-inch by 614-kilometer linear pipeline system, originating in Ajaokuta (Kogi State) and extending through Abuja (Federal Capital Territory), Kaduna, and terminating in Kano (Kano State). It includes associated intermediate and terminal gas facilities.
President Muhammadu Buhari virtually flagged off the construction of the $2.92 billion (later revised to $2.8 billion) AKK Gas Pipeline project in July 2020. marking the official commencement of physical work on the pipeline project.
Initial completion target of the project has seen some adjustments due to various factors, including the technical challenges, COVID-19, global inflation, and extreme weather conditions. While there were earlier hopes for completion by end of 2023 or 2024, the current official target for mechanical completion and commissioning is the first quarter of 2025, with some contractors aiming for the end of 2025 for overall mechanical completion. However, the project is currently at 72% completion.
The AKK pipeline is expected to be a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy, promoting industrial growth in northern Nigeria by providing a reliable and affordable source of gas for power generation and industrial clusters.
