The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has confirmed that the long-delayed Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline will begin supplying natural gas to Abuja in July. This marks a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to boost domestic gas utilisation and reduce reliance on diesel and fuel oil in its northern regions.
The 614-kilometre pipeline, with a capacity to transport more than 2.2 billion cubic feet of gas per day, is central to Nigeria’s strategy of shifting its energy mix toward gas. It is designed to supply power plants and industries in the north, while also linking into the East-West Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline to draw gas from southern production areas.
First conceived in 2008, the $2.8 billion project has faced repeated delays, missing earlier targets of 2023 and the fourth quarter of 2025. Construction began in 2020 but was slowed by funding constraints and engineering challenges, including the crossing of the River Niger. According to an energy lawyer involved in the project, work is now more than 90% complete, with delivery to Abuja expected within months.
Nigeria holds estimated gas reserves of over 210 trillion cubic feet, yet much of this resource remains untapped for domestic use. The AKK pipeline is intended to unlock that potential, supporting industrialisation and improving electricity generation in the northern part of the country.
The NUPRC spokesperson told Reuters that the July timeline is firm, signalling a renewed push to meet Nigeria’s gas development goals after years of setbacks.
