The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has achieved a major feat in its ongoing Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project by successfully crossing the River Niger, a phase that had previously delayed progress due to technical and financial complications.
The $2.8 billion pipeline, stretching 614 kilometers from Ajaokuta in Kogi State to Kano, is designed to enhance Nigeria’s domestic gas supply, support electricity generation, and drive industrial growth, especially in northern parts of the country.
The announcement was made by NNPCL’s newly appointed Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, during his address at the Nigeria Oil and Gas Energy Week in Abuja. This marked his first major industry appearance since taking on the role.
Ojulari said the river crossing posed one of the most difficult challenges of the entire project, requiring specialized expertise and complex commercial negotiations. With that obstacle now cleared, he confirmed that the pipeline is expected to be completed by year’s end and will begin delivering gas to several regions along its route.
In his speech, Ojulari also revealed that as of late June, Nigeria had achieved full availability of its pipeline infrastructure, a significant improvement considering the long history of pipeline sabotage and insecurity. He credited the turnaround to collaboration between the federal government, regulators, the military, and industry stakeholders.
However, he acknowledged that while infrastructure issues have been addressed, oil production remains below its full potential. Nigeria’s crude oil production averaged 1.35 million barrels per day last month, rising to 1.6 million with condensates included.
Ojulari emphasized the urgent need for increased investment in the oil and gas sector to capitalize on the improved infrastructure and favorable market conditions. “The foundation is in place. What we need now is investment to scale up production,” he said.
With the River Niger successfully crossed, the AKK project is one step closer to delivering reliable energy and unlocking economic opportunities across northern Nigeria.
