Legit.ng journalist Victor Enengedi has over a decade's experience covering Energy, MSMEs, Technology, Banking and the Economy.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has achieved a significant milestone in the ongoing $2.8 billion Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project by successfully completing the crossing of the River Niger.

This feat resolves a long-standing technical and financial hurdle that had delayed progress on the project.

Speaking during the Nigeria Oil and Gas Energy Week Conference in Abuja, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mr. Bayo Ojulari, shared the update in his first official address to industry stakeholders since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu.

Themed “Accelerating Global Energy Progress Through Investment, Partnerships & Innovation”, the event provided a platform for industry leaders to engage on key developments in the sector.

Ojulari explained that the River Niger crossing was previously regarded as one of the most complex phases of the AKK pipeline due to its demanding technical requirements and commercial challenges.

Ojulari said:

“We all know the story of the AKK. I don’t need to start talking about it. But one of the biggest challenges that the project has faced was the ability to cross the river Niger. Ladies and gentlemen, I want to announce to you today that we have crossed the River Niger."

He expressed confidence that the project would be completed by year-end, positioning it to boost gas supply and drive industrial growth, particularly in northern Nigeria.

According to Punch, Ojulari also revealed that Nigeria’s pipeline infrastructure has reached full operational capacity for the first time in years.

As of June 29, 2025, he noted, the country had attained 100% availability, a milestone made possible through combined efforts by the government, regulators, the military, and stakeholders across the oil and gas sector.

Despite the improved infrastructure and security, Ojulari acknowledged that Nigeria’s oil production still falls short of its full potential, citing prolonged underinvestment as a major barrier.

He urged both domestic and foreign investors to take advantage of the secure and improved operating environment and support new ventures in the upstream and midstream segments of the industry.

The Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKKP) Natural Gas Pipeline is a major infrastructure project designed to transport natural gas from Ajaokuta in Kogi State to Kano in Kano State, traversing multiple states and urban areas as part of the Trans Nigeria Gas Pipeline network.

Construction began in July 2020, with the pipeline spanning approximately 614 kilometres (382 miles) in a northeasterly direction, passing through the Abuja Federal Territory and Kaduna before reaching Kano.

This initiative aims to reduce the volume of gas flaring in Nigeria’s oil fields, which in turn is expected to enhance air quality.

The project is being implemented in three phases, following a build-to-transfer (BT) model within a public-private partnership (PPP), with the contractor responsible for full financing.

In related news, Legit.ng earlier reported that the NNPCL had announced its financial results for May, revealing impressive revenue and profit figures.

This marks the second report under the leadership of CEO Bayo Ojulari, showcasing a slight rise in both earnings and profits.

The May financial update also highlights significant accomplishments by the state-owned company, including successful pipeline repairs and consistent petrol supply.

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Source: Legit.ng