The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, has said the $2.8 billion Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline is expected to be activated for gas delivery and export in early 2026.
Ojulari disclosed this after briefing President Bola Tinubu, following an inspection of the project by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, alongside senior NNPCL officials, including the Executive Vice President for Gas, Power and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye.
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He said NNPC has successfully completed the welding of the pipeline’s main line, including the River Niger crossing, which had been a major technical challenge for several years. According to him, overcoming this hurdle has cleared the way for final connections and commissioning next year.
“We have completed the welding of the main line of the AKK pipeline. The River Niger crossing, which had been a major challenge for years, is now done. With this milestone achieved, we expect to begin making all connections early next year,” Ojulari said.
He explained that once activated, the pipeline would transport gas across northern Nigeria, boosting power generation and supporting industrial growth in key cities such as Ajaokuta, Abuja, Kaduna and Kano. He added that the project would encourage the development of fertiliser plants, gas-based industries and industrial parks.
Ojulari also said Nigeria’s oil production is projected to rise to about 1.8 million barrels per day in 2026, up from roughly 1.7 million barrels per day this year, while gas output is expected to continue increasing.
He attributed the improved outlook to reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act, noting that the AKK pipeline remains central to Nigeria’s long-term energy security and industrialisation strategy.
