Nigeria is targeting July 2026 to commence natural gas delivery to Abuja through the long-delayed Ajaokuta Kaduna Kano (AKK) pipeline, marking a major milestone in the country’s gas infrastructure expansion.
The update was confirmed by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), which indicated that initial gas flow to the capital is expected once final construction phases are completed.
Project scope and capacity
The AKK pipeline spans 614 kilometres and is designed to transport over 2.2 billion cubic feet of gas per day, positioning it as a central backbone of Nigeria’s domestic gas distribution network.
The $2.8 billion project will channel gas from southern production fields to demand hubs across central and northern Nigeria, including Abuja, Kaduna, and Kano, supporting power generation and industrial use.
Strategic importance
The pipeline is a key component of Nigeria’s gas-to-power and industrialisation strategy, aimed at: Reducing reliance on diesel and fuel oilExpanding electricity generation capacityDriving manufacturing and economic activity in northern regions
Despite holding over 210 trillion cubic feet of gas reserves, Nigeria has struggled with underdeveloped infrastructure, making the AKK project a critical test of its gas-led growth ambitions.
Delays and current status
First conceived in 2008, the project has missed multiple deadlines, including targets set for 2023 and late 2025, due to funding constraints and complex engineering challenges particularly the crossing of the River Niger.
Construction, which began in 2020, is now at an advanced stage, with the pipeline reported to be over 90% complete.
Supply chain integrationGas delivered through the AKK pipeline will largely originate from southern fields via its connection to the Obiafu Obrikom–Oben (OB3) pipeline, strengthening Nigeria’s integrated gas network.
Outlook
If the July timeline is met, the AKK pipeline will significantly improve gas availability in Abuja and the wider northern corridor, unlocking industrial growth, stabilising power supply, and accelerating Nigeria’s transition toward a gas-driven economy.
Source: Nairametrics
