Updated April 14, 2026 – Nigeria is targeting July 2026 for first gas delivery to Abuja via the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, marking a critical milestone for the country’s long-delayed gas infrastructure project. The 614-kilometer, $2.8 billion pipeline is now over 90% complete. It is expected to transport more than 2.2 billion cubic feet of gas per day after operations start. Nigeria’s Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas pipeline links southern gas fields to northern demand centers. The project is also designed to support power generation and industrialization.
Additionally, since inception in 2008 construction start in 2020, AKK gas pipeline has also repeatedly faced delays mainly due to financial constraints. Technical challenges have also been experienced including the River Niger crossing. The AKK gas pipeline project is now gearing toward its final commissioning phase despite the setbacks.
Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project Fact Sheet
Location: Nigeria
Length: 614 km
Capacity: 2.2 bcf/day
Project Cost: $2.8 billion
Status as of 2026: Over 90% complete. Gearing toward commissioning phase
First Gas Target: July 2026
Start of Construction: 2020
Source of Gas: Southern Nigeria through the OB3 pipeline interconnection
Strategic Role: Gas-to-power, industrialization and diesel substitution
Developers, Contractors and Stakeholders Behind the Gas Pipeline Project
Owner: Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited
Regulator: Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission
Gas Supply Arm: Nigerian Gas Company
EPC Contractors:
- Nigeria’s Oilserv Limited
- China Petroleum Pipeline Engineering Co. (CPP)
Financiers:
- Chinese lenders through policy banks
- China Export & Credit Insurance Corporation
Government Partners:
- Federal Government of Nigeria
- Ministry of Petroleum Resources
Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano Gas Pipeline: Unlocking Northern Nigeria Industrial Potential
Unlike export-oriented pipelines such as the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP) that expects the signing of key agreements this year, AKK pipeline is going to function for local economic stimulation. The project will enable gas-to-power expansion in northern Nigeria and also support growth of fertilizer and petrochemical industries in Kaduna and Kano. The project is also going to help substitute diesel generation in off-grid industrial zones in northern Nigeria.
Nigeria’s 614-Kilometer Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Completion Set at First Quarter of 2025
Reported June 23, 2024 – The Federal Government of Nigeria has given assurance that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline is set to make an impact on the economic growth and development of the country. Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline completion date has been also been set at around Q1 2025.
This information was revealed by the Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Mele Kyari during the visit of three cabinet Ministers to the AKK Gas Pipeline Project Site as they made an inspection to the River Kaduna crossing milestone of the project in Kaduna on Friday.
The three Ministers who paid a visit to the project site are: Minister of Finance/Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; Minister of Information & National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris Malagi and Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo.
Why is the Project Important
Speaking at the project site, the Minister of Finance Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun praised the AKK Gas pipeline. He called it a pipeline of prosperity which is very priceless to the President. This is because it will deliver critical infrastructure needed to trigger the country’s economic growth and industrialization.
“The AKK Gas Pipeline is crucial for this administration and its delivery is in line with Mr. President’s strategy of bringing prosperity to the people,” Edun added.
In his rem, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr. Mohammed Idris Malagi said the AKK Gas Pipeline Project is a testimony to the fact that the Federal Government’s “Decade of Gas” has commenced in earnest.
“Nigerians should be proud of the AKK Gas Pipeline project. With the delivery of this pipelines project, the prosperity that Mr. President is always talking about is unravelling right here before our eyes,” he said.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo also said the gas pipeline is part of the Federal Government’s many efforts to harness the nation’s abundant gas resources. This is being channeled toward improving power generation, reawakening dying industries and creating employment opportunities in the country.
Ekpo also urged all stakeholders to support the NNPC Ltd towards delivering the project and several other gas projects as the country depends on them.
Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Completion Date
“Without promising too much, we assure you that this Project will be delivered on schedule. Our mission is to work towards delivering it. We are also confident this project will be delivered by 1st Quarter of 2025,” Kyari informed the three visiting Ministers.
The GCEO, who said the NNPC Ltd recognises the strategic importance and enormous value of the project to Nigeria’s economy, stressed that the company was bankrolling the project on the back of its own balance sheet.
Moreover, in his speech, the Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Uba Sani, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, also said the completion of the AKK gas pipeline will herald the much-needed economic and industrial revival in the state.
The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas transport system is a 40 inch by 614km linear pipeline system running from Akaojuta in Kogi State to Kano. It also features associated intermediate and terminal gas facilities. The NMGP also plans to have equipment for the transport of natural gas to off-takers at Abuja, Kaduna and Kano.
Also Read: $5 Billion EACOP Funding to be Supported by Standard Bank
Also Read: $4.5B Project Pipeline Currently in Construction in South Africa: A Revolutionary Process
East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) Above Ground Installations Commence