NNPC Unveils AKK Pipeline Investment Opportunities In Minna

NNPC Limited on Thursday presented business and investment opportunities along the Ajaokuta‑Kaduna‑Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, saying the 614‑kilometre project has reached Abuja and will be commissioned in phases later this year.

Olalekan Ogunleye, NNPC’s Executive Vice President for Gas, Power and New Energy, told investors and government officials at Government House, Minna, that pipe‑laying on the Kano segment is complete and work on the Niger State section is expected to finish before year‑end. He said the pipeline will support downstream gas utilisation, compressed natural gas (CNG) infrastructure and other gas‑based industries along the corridor.

The AKK pipeline runs from Kogi State through Niger and Kaduna to Kano and includes intermediate and terminal facilities designed to unlock gas for industrial and domestic use in northern Nigeria.

NNPC described the corridor as a platform for private investors to establish CNG refuelling stations, agro‑allied and petrochemical plants, fertiliser factories and related enterprises.

Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago announced the designation of a 1,000‑square‑kilometre Industrial Development Park along the AKK corridor inside Niger State. Bago said the park, combined with access to gas, hydro and solar power, will be marketed to investors as an energy‑diversified industrial hub.

Speakers at the forum emphasised opportunities for local economic growth and employment from gas‑fired industries and CNG adoption. NNPC’s presentation highlighted potential investment packages but did not give detailed timelines for off‑take agreements, CNG station roll‑out or vehicle conversion programmes.

Analysts have previously raised concerns about funding, contractor disputes and security issues that delayed the AKK project. NNPC’s update will be closely watched by investors and host communities for evidence that the pipeline will translate into gas supply, industrial development and jobs rather than further schedule revisions.

NNPC and Niger State officials encouraged private sector participation and urged developers to submit proposals for facilities along the corridor. No dates were given for the formal start of industrial projects or for specific CNG infrastructure launches.