By Olayinka Teniola
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has achieved a significant breakthrough in its $2.8 billion Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project, successfully completing the complex River Niger crossing — a major hurdle that had posed serious technical and financial challenges.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, made the announcement on Tuesday during the Nigeria Oil and Gas Energy Week Conference in Abuja. This marks his first major industry address since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.
Themed “Accelerating Global Energy Progress Through Investment, Partnerships & Innovation,” the conference gathered key energy stakeholders from across the sector.
The River Niger crossing had long been viewed as the most technically demanding segment of the AKK project. NNPCL had recently reported that over 70% of the pipeline construction had been completed.
Speaking to industry leaders, Ojulari stated that this milestone effectively removes the biggest obstacle to completing the project.
“With God’s help, we expect to finish the entire pipeline before the end of the year,” he said. “Once completed, it will deliver gas to multiple markets, spurring industrial growth in northern Nigeria.”
He acknowledged the difficult engineering and commercial issues involved, explaining that NNPCL had to collaborate with contractors and bring in specialized expertise that wasn’t previously available.
“I’m pleased to announce that we have successfully crossed the River Niger,” Ojulari said. “We are now on track to complete the pipeline and begin connecting markets, enabling the kind of economic development we’ve long anticipated.”
The AKK pipeline is a landmark infrastructure project aimed at boosting domestic gas consumption, enhancing electricity generation, and establishing new industrial zones. The 614-kilometre, 40-inch pipeline runs from Ajaokuta in Kogi State to Kano, with multiple supporting facilities to serve gas customers along the route.
Ojulari also revealed that as of June 29, 2025, Nigeria has achieved full pipeline infrastructure availability — a dramatic turnaround from years of insecurity and vandalism.
“For many years, this forum focused on the insecurity plaguing our pipeline network,” he said. “Today, thanks to coordinated efforts by the federal government, regulators, the military, and industry stakeholders, I’m proud to report 100% pipeline availability — a result once thought impossible.”
However, Ojulari noted that despite this progress, oil production remains below expectations.
“In June, we averaged 1.35 million barrels per day of crude, and with condensates, about 1.6 million barrels per day,” he said. “With the pipeline challenges resolved, the question now is: where is the production?”
He linked the underwhelming output to years of underinvestment in the oil and gas sector and stressed the need for fresh capital injection to maximize the benefits of improved infrastructure and favorable market conditions.
“We’ve addressed the infrastructure issues. Now we need investments to scale up production,” he said, urging both local and international investors to take advantage of recent regulatory reforms and enhanced pipeline security to invest in upstream and midstream developments.
