Completion of Niger crossing clears major hurdle as project promises power, jobs and industrial growth in Northern Nigeria
Nigeria’s long-awaited Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, valued at $2.8 billion, is expected to be activated for export operations early in 2026, according to the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Ojulari.
Ojulari disclosed this following a recent inspection tour of the project alongside the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, and the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye.
Originally conceived in 2008, the AKK pipeline is a cornerstone of Nigeria’s gas development strategy and is expected to unlock large-scale economic activity across the northern region, where limited energy infrastructure has long constrained industrial growth and electricity supply.
After briefing President Bola Tinubu on Sunday, Ojulari confirmed that welding of the pipeline’s main line has been completed, including the technically challenging River Niger crossing, a key obstacle that had delayed the project for several years.
He explained that the achievement paves the way for final connections and commissioning of the pipeline by early next year.
Once operational, Ojulari said the pipeline will significantly expand access to gas across northern Nigeria, supporting power generation and industrial development.
“This project goes beyond energy delivery,” he said. “It is about driving industrialisation, fertiliser production, power plants and gas-based industries in cities like Kaduna, Kano, Abuja and Ajaokuta. We expect to see the emergence of new industrial hubs.”
The NNPC GCEO also outlined the company’s production outlook, stating that crude oil output is projected to rise to 1.8 million barrels per day in 2026, up from approximately 1.7 million barrels per day in 2025, while gas production is expected to continue on an upward trajectory.
Ojulari attributed these gains to reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which have repositioned NNPC Limited as a commercially driven entity operating without reliance on federal budgetary allocations.
He added that President Tinubu remains committed to attracting $30 billion in new energy investments by 2030 and achieving oil production of 2 million barrels per day by 2027.
According to Ojulari, completion of the AKK pipeline network will enhance national energy security, expand electricity supply, stimulate industrial growth and open up new economic opportunities across the country.
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