Infostride News reports that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has unveiled the anticipated inauguration date for the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project, a monumental venture valued at $2.8 billion and spearheaded by Oilserve Limited. According to the Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Limited, Oritsemiyiwa Eyesan, this grand unveiling is set to take place in December 2023.
Eyesan, standing in for the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC, Mele Kyari, conveyed this significant update during an industry address at the 41st Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) 2023 expo held on Tuesday in Lagos. The expo, a prominent annual gathering of geologists and industry professionals engaged in oil and gas exploration and production, serves as a pivotal platform for sharing insights and advancements in the sector.
This announcement follows a prior declaration by Nigeria’s Minister of State of Petroleum (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, urging the AKK gas pipeline contractors to ensure the completion of the project by July/August 2024. The upcoming inauguration in December aligns with the commitment of NNPC to the country’s Gas Master Plan, marking a crucial milestone in the nation’s energy infrastructure development.
Addressing industry stakeholders during the Management Session at the NAPE expo, Eyesan emphasized the transformative impact of the impending developments in the oil and gas sector. She stated, “In the coming months, you are going to be seeing a great difference in the way we operate because NNPC is poised to drive in more investments into the oil and gas sector. One of such huge investments is the AKK gas pipeline that will be commissioned this December.”
The AKK gas pipeline project, initiated in June 2020, gained momentum when President Muhammadu Buhari ceremoniously flagged off its construction. Representing the single most significant gas pipeline project in Nigeria’s history, the AKK pipeline stretches across 614 kilometers, connecting Ajaokuta in Kogi State and Rigachikun in Kaduna State. This ambitious initiative is designed to facilitate the transportation of gas between the southern and northern regions of the country, with future plans for extension into North Africa.
Operating on a build-and-transfer Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis, the AKK pipeline is an integral component of the Trans-Nigeria Gas Pipeline (TNGP) project. It is engineered to transport an impressive 3,500 million metric standard cubic feet per day of dehydrated gas from various gas gathering projects situated in southern Nigeria to central Nigeria.
The commitment to achieving the December deadline underscores the strategic importance of the AKK gas pipeline in advancing Nigeria’s energy landscape. As the project nears its completion, it is poised to play a pivotal role in bolstering the nation’s economic growth, fostering regional connectivity, and enhancing energy security.
The NAPE Conference serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts of industry professionals, policymakers, and key players in the oil and gas sector. It provides a platform for dialogue on critical issues surrounding energy infrastructure development, financing, and monetization strategies in Nigeria. Against the backdrop of evolving global energy dynamics, the AKK gas pipeline stands as a symbol of Nigeria’s dedication to embracing sustainable and innovative solutions to meet its growing energy demands.
In conclusion, the imminent inauguration of the AKK gas pipeline project represents a significant leap forward for Nigeria’s energy sector. As the nation looks ahead to December 2023, the completion of this colossal project not only aligns with strategic timelines but also underscores the commitment of NNPC to driving positive change and fostering a resilient energy landscape for the benefit of the nation and the broader West African region. Infostride News will continue to monitor and report on further developments surrounding this transformative initiative.
Support InfoStride News' Credible Journalism: Only credible journalism can guarantee a fair, accountable and transparent society, including democracy and government. It involves a lot of efforts and money. We need your support. Click here to Donate