The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Ojulari, has announced that the $2.8 billion Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline is scheduled to begin operations in early 2026, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s gas infrastructure development.
Ojulari made the disclosure after a recent inspection of the project by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, accompanied by top NNPC executives, including the Executive Vice President for Gas, Power and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday after briefing President Bola Tinubu, the NNPCL boss said the company had successfully completed welding work on the pipeline’s main line, including the technically challenging River Niger crossing, which had stalled the project for years.
“We have been able to complete the welding of the main line of the AKK pipeline. In summer, we were able to cross the River Niger, which was a struggle for many years. With its completion, we can start making all the connections early next year,” Ojulari said.
He explained that once the pipeline is activated, it will transport gas across northern Nigeria, unlocking industrial and economic opportunities in the region.
“This is not just about energy. It’s about industrialisation—fertiliser plants, power generation, and gas-based industries in Kaduna, Kano, Abuja and Ajaokuta. We expect to see industrial parks spring up,” he added.
Ojulari also highlighted NNPC’s production outlook, noting that crude oil output is expected to increase to 1.8 million barrels per day in 2026, up from about 1.7 million barrels per day this year, while gas production is projected to rise steadily.
He linked the improved performance outlook to reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act, which he said have repositioned NNPC as a commercially oriented company operating without dependence on federal allocations.
According to him, President Tinubu has reiterated the administration’s ambition to attract $30 billion in fresh investments by 2030 and boost crude oil production to two million barrels per day by 2027.
Ojulari said the completion and activation of the AKK pipeline would deepen economic activity, improve power generation and strengthen Nigeria’s industrial base, ultimately enhancing national energy security.
Conceived in 2008, the AKK gas pipeline is a central pillar of Nigeria’s plan to leverage its vast gas reserves for economic development. The project is expected to significantly improve energy availability in northern Nigeria, a region that has long faced power deficits and infrastructure challenges that have limited industrial growth.
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