The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced that the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, a $2.8 billion project undertaken by Oilserve Limited, is scheduled for inauguration next month.
Oritsemiyiwa Eyesan, the Executive Vice President, Upstream at NNPC Limited, shared this information during the 41st Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists 2023 expo in Lagos on Tuesday. Speaking at the Management Session focused on ‘Energy Infrastructure Development, Financing & Monetisation Strategies in Nigeria: Reducing the Risks of Entry,’ Eyesan emphasized that the project’s timely completion in December underscores NNPC’s dedication to Nigeria’s Gas Master Plan.
Eyesan expressed optimism about the future operational landscape, stating, “In the coming months, you are going to see a significant shift in the way we operate because NNPC is committed to attracting more investments into the oil and gas sector. A major milestone in this regard is the commissioning of the AKK gas pipeline scheduled for this December.”
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This development follows the assurance given by the Minister of State, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, in October during the Pai River crossing session in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Ekpo had pledged that the 614km pipeline project would be completed by July of the following year.
The AKK pipeline, spanning 614km, is a crucial infrastructure initiative by NNPCL designed to transport natural gas from southern Nigeria to central Nigeria. Ekpo acknowledged that while investors were eager to support the project, their primary concern was securing immediate returns. He also cited security challenges as a contributing factor to the project’s delay.
Eyesan recommended that, alongside resolving financing and security issues, the Federal Government should work towards stabilizing the national currency. The minister further emphasized the importance of reducing contract cycles and attracting technology-savvy managers to the sector to stimulate investments.”
