$2.8bn AKK Gas pipeline to be ready for commissioning by November — NNPC Ltd
By Seun Ibiyemi and Olakunle Oke
The $2.8 billion Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Natural Gas Pipeline project is expected to reach mechanical completion by November 2025, according to the Executive Director of Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Company Ltd (NGIC), Engr. Audu Ibrahim.
Providing an update at the NNPC Gas Power & New Energy Directorate’s 2025 AKK Business Development Forum in Abuja, Ibrahim revealed that the project stands at 83.05 per cent completion.
He said segment one is 79.76 per cent complete, with pre-commissioning activities already underway.
“By November, we should have the AKK Pipeline end-to-end mechanically completed,” he confirmed.
Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC), Bayo Ojulari, pledged timely delivery of the project, describing it as critical to unlocking economic opportunities across the country.
He disclosed that all welding works on the second 320-kilometre segment of the pipeline have been finalised.
Ojulari noted, “We do not acknowledge the nearing completion of an engineering feat only. We collectively recognise the need to work harder together to ensure that the full benefits of this pipeline of prosperity are fully realised.
“This milestone marks a significant stride in Nigeria’s path towards energy security, economic renewal, and industrial resilience. The AKK pipeline represents more than infrastructure; it is a lifeline for economic advancement, job creation, and national integration.”
He added that the pipeline will deliver up to 2.2 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily to power plants in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and other locations, revitalising industries, especially in northern Nigeria.
Over 1,900 skilled and semi-skilled Nigerians have been directly employed on the project, with thousands more expected to benefit once operations begin through economic spin-offs across multiple sectors.
Ojulari emphasised that the project supports Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” initiative by diversifying the economy away from oil and expanding gas-based industries. He said the pipeline will promote energy equity by extending infrastructure to the northern region, traditionally underserved in energy access.
“Transportation and agriculture will also benefit, with compressed natural gas adoption lowering fuel costs and enabling efficient food distribution from the north to other regions and beyond,” he explained.
Addressing concerns over the project’s cost and delays, Ojulari commended the team for overcoming significant technical and commercial hurdles, including successfully completing the challenging River Niger crossing.
“Our doors remain open. If there are areas where we have blind spots, we are ready to discuss them. We are committed to working with all stakeholders to drive Nigeria’s progress,” he assured.
Project Manager of the AKK Gas Project, Engr. Japhet Chairman, reiterated that the second segment’s welding and critical crossings, including rivers and roads, have been completed. He confirmed that management has approved the engagement of additional contractors to fast-track remaining works.
The AKK gas pipeline, a 40-inch diameter high-pressure transmission line, will operate at 1,000 pounds per square inch (PSI).
Chairman praised the successful completion of the River Niger crossing, a major technical milestone, and expressed confidence that full completion, including pre-commissioning of segment two, will be achieved within the coming months.