$2.8bn AKK gas pipeline to become operational in 2026 — NNPCL Chief
Story by Martha Gwary
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd), Bashir Ojulari, has announced that the $2.8 billion Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline is expected to be activated for gas export in early 2026.
Ojulari disclosed this following an inspection tour of the project by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, accompanied by senior NNPCL executives, including the Executive Vice President for Gas, Power and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye.
Speaking after briefing President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, the NNPCL chief said the company had successfully completed the welding of the pipeline’s main line, including the crossing of the River Niger—described as one of the most complex technical challenges that had stalled progress on the project for years.
According to him, the completion of the River Niger crossing has cleared the way for the pipeline to be fully connected early next year.
“We have completed the welding of the AKK pipeline’s main line. During the summer, we were able to cross the River Niger, which had been a major challenge for many years. With this milestone achieved, we can begin making all necessary connections early next year,” Ojulari said.
He explained that once operational, the AKK pipeline will transport gas across northern Nigeria, providing a critical boost to industrial and economic activities in the region.
“This project goes beyond energy supply,” he said. “It is about industrialisation—supporting fertiliser plants, power generation and other gas-based industries in Kaduna, Kano, Abuja and Ajaokuta. We expect industrial parks to emerge along the corridor.”
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Ojulari also outlined NNPC Ltd’s production outlook, stating that crude oil output is projected 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 expected to continue on an upward trajectory.
He attributed the company’s improving operational performance to reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), noting that the legislation has repositioned NNPC Ltd as a commercially driven enterprise operating without dependence on federal government funding.
The NNPCL boss added that President Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to attracting $30 billion in new investments by 2030 and raising Nigeria’s oil production to two million barrels per day by 2027.
According to him, the completion of the AKK pipeline network will unlock significant economic opportunities, strengthen power supply, and support the country’s broader industrialisation agenda, thereby enhancing national energy and economic security.
First conceived in 2008, the AKK pipeline is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s strategy to harness its vast natural gas resources to drive sustainable economic growth.
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The project is expected to markedly improve energy access in northern Nigeria, where prolonged power shortages and inadequate infrastructure have long constrained industrial development.
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