‘AKK, OB3 gas pipelines will transform Nigeria’s economy’

Mkpoikana Udoma

Port Harcourt — The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas) Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, has said that the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano, AKK, and Obrikom, Obiafu, and Oben, OB3, gas pipelines will be game-changers for the nation’s economy, driving industrialization and job creation, when completed.

Ekpo declared that Nigeria’s gas sector is undergoing a historic transformation under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with strategic infrastructure projects set to position the country as a leading gas-powered economy.

Speaking recently at the Nigerian International Energy Summit, he stressed that the planned completion of the 614-kilometer AKK gas pipeline this year, will significantly boost gas supply to industrial and commercial hubs.

“The 614-kilometer AKK pipeline, which is scheduled for completion in 2025, will significantly boost gas supply to key industrial and commercial hubs. This project, along with the OB3 pipeline, will stimulate industrialization, create jobs, and attract investments in manufacturing and power generation.

“These projects are a testament to our commitment to positioning Nigeria as a leading gas-powered economy by 2030 under the Decade of Gas Initiative,” Ekpo said.

The Minister also commended the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, and its private sector partners for their investments in mini Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, projects, which he said would accelerating industrialization and energy accessibility.

“These partnerships have resulted in the establishment of five mini LNG plants—Prime LNG, BUA LNG, Highland LNG, NGML/GasNexus LNG, and LNG Arete—all in Ajaokuta, Kogi State. By liquefying gas from existing pipelines and transporting it to areas in need, these plants will enhance economic growth and energy security, particularly in the Northern Region.”

The minister also lauded the Group CEO of NNPCL, Malam Mele Kyari, for his commitment to expanding mini LNG projects across all geopolitical zones, aligning with President Tinubu’s vision of using natural gas to drive economic growth.

Addressing the impact of fuel subsidy removal in 2023 and the subsequent petrol price surge, Ekpo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to alternative energy solutions, citing the nationwide Compressed Natural Gas, CNG program as a key initiative.

“With over 100,000 vehicles targeted for conversion and a $200 million investment in CNG infrastructure, this programme is a critical step toward reducing transportation costs and promoting energy sustainability,” he said.

Ekpo emphasized that all these efforts align with Nigeria’s Decade of Gas Initiative, which aims to position the country as a leading gas-powered economy by 2030.

“The Federal Government is actively attracting investments in LNG, CNG, and gas-to-chemicals to create a business-friendly environment that fosters industrialization, job creation, and energy security. These projects are a testament to our commitment to a cleaner and more prosperous future for Nigeria.”