The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) says it has achieved a breakthrough in its $2.8 billon Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project with the successful crossing of River Niger.
Bayo Ojulari, the NNPCL Group Chief Executive, disclosed this in Abuja on Tuesday at an Nigeria Oil and Gas Energy Week Conference.
He said the crossing of River Niger has been identified as the most difficult technical challenge in the 614-km pipeline project.
Ojulari said with the milestone achieved, the NNPC could now focus on the massive investment to boost oil and gas production.
“We’ve solved the infrastructure bottleneck. Now we need investment urgently.
“The stars are beginning to align, and this is the time to act,” he said.
“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.
“So, there is tough technical challenges.
“The team of NNPCL has had to work with the contractors to bring in specialist capability that was not available, very difficult commercial rearrangements.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I want to announce to you today that we have crossed the River Niger.
“Now we are honoured by the grace of God, before the end of the year, to complete the pipeline connections and begin the connections and all of that, and feed all the markets that we need to feed along the lines with the economic development impact that we all expect,” he said.
Ojulari also announced full recovery of the pipeline infrastructure security and capacity across the country.
He said the NNPCL had achieved 100 per cent pipeline availability as of as of June 29, 2025, a feat previously unthinkable given the long history of sabotage and vandalism in the sector.
“For years, whenever we gathered at this event, we lamented the insecurity around our pipeline network and its impact on crude oil production.
“But I am pleased to share with you today that, through collective efforts of the federal government, regulatory bodies, the military, and the industry, we have 100 per cent pipeline availability today,” Ojulari said.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
