The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline is expected to begin delivering natural gas to Abuja for power generation before the end of 2026, marking a major step towards expanding Nigeria’s domestic gas infrastructure.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, disclosed this at the 2026 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) in the United Arab Emirates, where he discussed Nigeria’s energy reforms and efforts to attract investment into the oil and gas sector.
According to Ojulari, the 614-kilometre AKK pipeline will initially supply gas to Abuja, with plans to extend deliveries to Kaduna and Kano in 2027. He said the project would support electricity generation, data centres and industrial hubs, particularly across northern Nigeria.
Speaking during a session titled “Nigeria’s Reform Agenda: Competing for Energy Capital,” the NNPC chief described the development as an important part of the company’s strategy to unlock the country’s gas resources and expand their use across different sectors of the economy.
He expressed optimism that the pipeline would begin delivering gas to Abuja before the close of the year, creating opportunities for increased industrial activity and improved energy supply.
AKK Pipeline Targets Abuja, Kaduna and Kano
The AKK pipeline is one of Nigeria’s major gas infrastructure projects, designed to transport natural gas from the country’s southern gas-producing region through Ajaokuta and Kaduna to Kano.
With a planned transportation capacity of approximately two billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, the pipeline is expected to supply power plants, industrial facilities, fertiliser manufacturers and other commercial gas users along its route.
Its delivery network is particularly important to northern Nigeria, where limited access to reliable energy has constrained manufacturing, industrial expansion and investment in gas-dependent businesses.
By bringing gas to Abuja first, NNPC intends to establish an important supply connection for electricity generation and other commercial activities in the Federal Capital Territory.
The planned extension to Kaduna and Kano in 2027 is expected to expand the benefits to additional industrial centres, strengthening the country’s gas distribution network and supporting economic activities along the pipeline corridor.
However, the year-end delivery timeline remains an expectation announced by NNPC, rather than confirmation that commercial gas supply has already commenced.
NNPC Reports Completion of OB3 Gas Pipeline
Ojulari also disclosed that the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline project had reached 100 per cent completion, adding that NNPC was working to increase production and utilise its capacity.
The OB3 pipeline has the potential to transport approximately one billion cubic feet of gas daily, making it an important component of Nigeria’s domestic gas transmission infrastructure.
The project is expected to improve the movement of gas between production areas and major consumption centres, helping strengthen supply to power plants and industries.
Ojulari explained that NNPC was now focusing on increasing production to ensure that the available infrastructure could support greater gas delivery.
The completion of OB3, alongside progress on AKK, forms part of the company’s broader effort to strengthen gas transportation and expand domestic utilisation.
These projects are particularly relevant as Nigeria seeks to move beyond exporting natural gas and increase its use for electricity generation, manufacturing, commercial activities and other productive sectors.
Gas Infrastructure to Support Power Generation and Industrial Growth
The expected delivery of gas through AKK could provide additional support for electricity generation in Abuja, although the actual impact will depend on the readiness of receiving power plants, connecting infrastructure and the wider electricity supply chain.
Gas-fired power plants require consistent fuel supplies to operate effectively. Consequently, improving the availability and transportation of natural gas could help address one of the challenges affecting electricity generation in the country.
Beyond power generation, the pipeline could support the development of gas-based industries, including fertiliser production, petrochemicals, manufacturing and industrial processing.
Reliable gas supply can also encourage investment in data centres and other energy-intensive businesses that require stable electricity to maintain operations.
For northern Nigeria, the planned expansion to Kaduna and Kano could create new opportunities for industrial development, attract private investment and strengthen commercial activities.
Nevertheless, the economic benefits will depend on the ability of relevant industries and power facilities to access the gas, secure financing and establish the necessary infrastructure for operations.
NNPC Expands Compressed Natural Gas Programme
Ojulari also provided updates on Nigeria’s compressed natural gas (CNG) programme, which the Federal Government introduced as part of efforts to promote alternative transportation fuels following the removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023.
He disclosed that more than 400 CNG conversion centres were operating across the country, helping vehicle owners convert their vehicles to use natural gas.
He added that more than 1,000 trucks transporting petroleum products were already operating on CNG.
According to the NNPC chief, the programme has the potential to reduce transportation costs by up to 60 per cent, depending on vehicle conversion costs, fuel availability and operating conditions.
The company also plans to increase the number of CNG refuelling stations to more than 1,000 by the end of 2027.
Expanding the network of conversion centres and refuelling stations could encourage wider adoption of CNG among commercial transport operators, businesses and private vehicle owners.
However, sustained growth will require reliable fuel distribution, accessible refuelling facilities, maintenance capacity and continued investment in supporting infrastructure.
NLNG Train Seven Expected to Increase Gas Export Capacity
The NNPC chief further discussed developments in Nigeria’s liquefied natural gas sector, highlighting the performance of Train Six and ongoing construction work on Train Seven.
He expressed hope that Train Seven would be commissioned in 2027, increasing Nigeria LNG’s total production capacity from approximately 22 million tonnes to 30 million tonnes annually.
The expansion is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position in the international LNG market and increase its capacity to supply natural gas to overseas customers.
Ojulari also disclosed that the number of active oil rigs in Nigeria had increased to 70, reflecting renewed activity in the country’s upstream petroleum sector.
These developments form part of NNPC’s wider strategy to improve production, strengthen infrastructure and attract investment across the oil and gas value chain.
AKK Pipeline Remains Central to Nigeria’s Gas Ambitions
The expected commencement of gas delivery to Abuja before the end of 2026 represents an important milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to expand domestic gas utilisation.
For NNPC, the immediate priority is to complete the remaining connections and operational requirements needed to deliver gas through the pipeline, while preparing for the planned expansion to Kaduna and Kano.
If the announced timelines are achieved, the AKK project could provide an important foundation for electricity generation, industrial development and commercial investment across northern Nigeria.
Ultimately, the success of the project will depend not only on completing the pipeline but also on ensuring consistent gas production, reliable transmission, functioning receiving facilities and sufficient demand from power plants and industries.
Ojulari’s announcement therefore places the AKK pipeline at the centre of Nigeria’s energy development agenda, with the proposed Abuja supply expected to be the first major step towards expanding gas availability across the northern industrial corridor.
