AKK Gas Pipeline Set For Completion By Early 2025, Says NNPC CEO

By Oluwabukola Jimoh ــ Last Update 08 July 2024

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The Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Limited, Mele Kyari, has announced that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline is on track to be completed by the first quarter of 2025. Kyari made this statement on Friday during a visit to the AKK Gas Pipeline Project Site, where he was joined by three cabinet Ministers to inspect the progress at the River Kaduna crossing milestone in Kaduna.

Key Figures Visit the Project Site

The visiting dignitaries included the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Minister of Information & National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris Malagi; and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo. Kyari underscored the project’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s economy and highlighted NNPC's commitment by financing the project from its balance sheet.

"Without promising too much, we assure you that this Project will be delivered on schedule. Our mission is to work towards delivering it by December this year. But we are confident this project will be delivered by the first quarter of 2025," Kyari assured the visiting Ministers.

A Pipeline of Prosperity

During the site visit, Minister Wale Edun referred to the AKK Gas Pipeline as the "pipeline of prosperity." He emphasized that it will provide the essential infrastructure needed to spur Nigeria’s economic growth and industrialization. Despite facing significant challenges like COVID-19, global inflation, and extreme weather conditions, the project has made substantial progress, employing over 2,000 workers, 1,925 of whom are Nigerians. The project has also engaged 61 local contractors, demonstrating resilience and strong support from the Federal Government.

"The AKK Gas Pipeline is crucial for this administration, and its delivery aligns with Mr. President’s strategy of bringing prosperity to the people," Edun stated.

Project Overview

The AKK Gas Pipeline Project, led by NNPC Limited, aims to enhance Nigeria’s gas pipeline network to meet the growing power demand and support gas-based industries. This ambitious initiative features a 40-inch, 614-kilometer pipeline stretching from Ajaokuta to Kano, with intermediate and terminal gas facilities.

The linear pipeline system will transport natural gas from Ajaokuta in Kogi State to Kano, passing through Abuja and Kaduna, and providing an alternative fuel for power, cooking, transportation, and industrial activities. The AKK pipeline is expected to significantly reduce deforestation rates and transform Nigeria’s energy landscape by offering a sustainable energy solution.

Impact on the LPG Industry

Although the AKK gas pipeline will exclusively carry lean gas, which does not contain LPG, its completion is still expected to significantly benefit the LPG industry. The enhanced gas infrastructure will promote the development of additional gas projects, ultimately leading to increased LPG production and availability.

The AKK project will create a more efficient and reliable distribution network for natural gas, encouraging investments and the growth of gas-related industries. As more gas projects come online, the production of LPG—a byproduct of natural gas processing—will also rise. This increase in LPG production will make it more accessible and affordable for consumers across Nigeria.

Moreover, with the availability of more LPG, the reliance on traditional biomass fuels for cooking and heating will decrease, fostering a cleaner and healthier energy alternative. This shift is expected to reduce indoor air pollution, improving the quality of life for many Nigerians.

Stay tuned for more updates as this critical infrastructure project progresses towards its 2025 completion target.

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Oluwabukola Jimoh

Oluwabukola Jimoh is a dynamic academic writer and captivating energy blogger. She is able to delve into intricate subjects with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, crafting thought-provoking essays that engage and enlighten her readers.