NNPC Confirms $2.8B AKK Gas Pipeline Set to Begin Operations in 2026

Abuja, Nigeria – The Ajaokuta‑Kaduna‑Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, a $2.8 billion landmark project, is set to commence operations in early 2026, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has confirmed. The pipeline, which has faced years of delays, is expected to significantly enhance gas supply to Nigeria’s northern regions and spur industrial growth.

According to NNPC Group CEO Bashir Ojulari, the company recently completed the welding of the main pipeline, including the challenging River Niger crossing, a milestone that clears the way for the final connection and commissioning. Ojulari emphasized that the project is now on track for its planned activation next year.

Once operational, the AKK pipeline will transport natural gas to Kaduna, Kano, Abuja, and surrounding areas, supplying power plants, fertilizer factories, and other gas‑based industries. Experts say the project could be a catalyst for job creation, industrialization, and improved energy reliability in northern Nigeria.

The AKK pipeline, initially conceived in 2008, is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to boost domestic gas utilization, attract energy investments, and increase gas exports by 2030. NNPC’s CEO noted that the project represents a significant step toward achieving these national energy objectives, while also contributing to economic growth across multiple sectors.

The successful commissioning of the pipeline is widely expected to transform Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, providing a stable supply of energy for industries and households in the north and reinforcing the country’s position as a key player in Africa’s energy landscape.