The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) says the Ajaokuta–Gwagwalada section of the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline is expected to be commissioned, with first gas scheduled to flow by July 2026.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop on emerging opportunities in Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) organized by Portland Gas Limited in Abuja, NNPCL’s Executive Vice President for Gas, Power, and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye, described the 614-km pipeline as key to connecting northern industrial areas to Nigeria’s gas resources and helping to address the country’s energy shortfalls.
Represented by the company’s manager of business development, Suleiman Kachalla, Ogunleye said the AKK project will stimulate industrial demand in northern Nigeria, support power generation, boost manufacturing, expand Auto-CNG and Mini-LNG adoption, and create jobs across the gas value chain.
He explained that the AKK pipeline forms a central part of Nigeria’s midstream development plans and is already drawing investment interest to Gwagwalada.
He noted that Gwagwalada’s location links Kogi State with major northern markets, positioning it as a growing logistics and commercial hub with rising energy demand from transport operators, small manufacturers, real estate developments, and agro-processing businesses.
He added that the workshop aims to attract investors to partner with Portland Gas in building a mini-LNG and L-CNG station that will supply fuel for vehicles, power industries, reduce diesel use, and improve energy reliability.
He said the project’s location at the AKK Abuja take-off point aligns with market demand and investor interest. He added that mini-LNG infrastructure allows phased expansion, enabling quicker deployment while lowering investment risks and supporting gradual returns.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Portland Gas Limited, Folajimi Mohammed, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to delivering clean, reliable, and sustainable gas solutions.
He said the company’s experience in gas infrastructure strengthens its confidence that Nigeria’s gas sector offers strong investment opportunities, adding that Portland Gas is prepared to lead and successfully deliver new investments in the industry.
source: dailytrust.com
African Energy Council