The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has announced that the long-delayed Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline is set to begin supplying natural gas to Abuja in July. This development represents a significant advancement in Nigeria’s efforts to enhance domestic gas utilization and decrease reliance on diesel and fuel oil in its northern regions. The 614-kilometre pipeline, which has the capacity to transport over 2.2 billion cubic feet of gas per day, is a key component of Nigeria’s strategy to transition its energy mix toward gas.
The AKK pipeline is designed to supply power plants and industries in the north while also connecting to the East-West Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline, allowing for the transportation of gas from southern production areas. Originally conceived in 2008, the $2.8 billion project has encountered multiple delays, missing previous targets set for 2023 and the fourth quarter of 2025. Although construction commenced in 2020, progress was hindered by funding constraints and engineering challenges, particularly the crossing of the River Niger.
According to an energy lawyer involved in the project, work on the pipeline is now over 90% complete, with gas delivery to Abuja anticipated within months. Despite Nigeria’s estimated gas reserves exceeding 210 trillion cubic feet, much of this resource remains untapped for domestic use. The AKK pipeline aims to unlock this potential, thereby supporting industrialization and improving electricity generation in the northern part of the country. A spokesperson for the NUPRC informed Reuters that the July timeline is firm, indicating a renewed commitment to achieving Nigeria’s gas development goals after years of setbacks.
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