Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, Bayo Ojulari, has revealed that the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project is nearing completion.
Gatekeepers News reports that speaking at the 2025 AKK Gas Pipeline Business Development Forum on Thursday, Ojulari said the $2.8 billion is expected to revive industries across northern Nigeria.
The CEO described the pipeline as a transformational economic engine capable of redefining Nigeria’s industrial and energy landscape.
He said, “ First, power generation and industrial growth. The pipeline will supply up to 2.2 billion standard cubic feet of gas a day, fueling power plants in Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, and others.”
“This will revive industries, especially in Northern Nigeria, where I grew up.”
“We collectively recognize the need to work hard, or let me even say harder, together, to make sure the full benefit of this pipeline of prosperity is fully realised.”
“This is a milestone in Nigeria’s journey towards energy security, economic revitalization, and industrial resilience.
“The AKK pipeline is more than infrastructure. It is a lifeline for economic advancement, job creation, and national integration.”
According to him, over 1,900 Nigerians, skilled and semi-skilled, have already been employed on the project, with many more expected to gain employment once the pipeline becomes operational. He emphasised that the economic ripple effect would be felt across sectors.
Ojulari also highlighted the AKK pipeline’s alignment with Nigeria’s Decade of Gas initiative, aimed at transitioning from oil dependency to a gas-powered economy.
The CEO said the project will improve energy equity by expanding access to natural gas in northern Nigeria, historically been underserved in terms of energy infrastructure.
He further explained that the pipeline will deepen the adoption of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) in transportation, helping to reduce both fuel costs and carbon emissions.
Ojulari added, “Transportation of food from the north to other regions of the country and sub-Saharan Africa. It is expected to support agro-processing industries, improve value chains, and rural economies.”
Looking beyond national borders, Ojulari stressed the pipeline’s regional integration potential, with possible future extensions linking Nigeria to North Africa and fostering transcontinental gas trade.
He said, “ Next are clean energy credentials. The pipeline will transport natural gas, which is the cleanest burning fossil fuel, emitting significantly less carbon dioxide than coal or oil when used for power generation.”
The CEO noted that the introduction of the pipeline will significantly displace the use of diesel across the country.
