Finance Minister announces 90 per cent completion of AKK gas pipeline project

The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project has reached a significant milestone, achieving 90% completion, according to the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for Economy, Wale Edun.

This announcement was made during an inter-ministerial visit to the project’s River Kaduna HDD crossing site in Kaduna State on Friday.

Despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and security issues in some host communities, the 614-kilometre pipeline project has progressed commendably.

Edun highlighted the skill and capacity demonstrated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and its Chinese partners.

“We have witnessed the tremendous progress on this natural gas pipeline project, and we have seen the expertise of both NNPC and the Chinese-Nigerian partnership. I am confident that this project, in line with the presidential mandate, will be completed by the first quarter of next year,” Edun stated.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, emphasized the project’s critical role in boosting the country’s economy.

He assured that the ministry would ensure the project’s timely completion, as directed by President Bola Tinubu, to create job opportunities, revive industries, improve power supply, and generate revenue. Ekpo also mentioned plans to expand the project to other parts of Nigeria to enhance gas and energy security nationwide.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammad Idris, reiterated that the project aligns with Tinubu’s mandate to complete impactful projects for the people. He assured that the project would be delivered promptly and that Nigerians would soon see its benefits.

Representing Governor Uba Sani, Deputy Governor Hajiya Hadiza Balarabe, highlighted the project’s potential to address power challenges in Kaduna State and improve citizens’ quality of life.

Howard Wang, Chairman of Brentex CPP Ltd, the project’s contractors, noted that the company has directly employed over 1,925 skilled and semi-skilled Nigerian workers. He also mentioned the harmonious relationship with more than 240 local communities along the project’s route. “We have received tremendous support from the Federal Government through NNPC’s leadership, without which this success would not have been possible,” Wang said.

NNPC Ltd’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mele Kyari, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering the gas pipeline project on time, underscoring its importance for Nigeria’s energy future.