Nigeria’s 614-kilometre Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline has reached a major milestone with the successful completion of one of its most technically challenging phases, the crossing of the River Niger.
Oilserv Limited, the contractor handling the project, announced this on its official X account on Tuesday, stating that it deployed a Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technique to complete the crossing while significantly minimising environmental impact.
“We have successfully crossed the 40-inch x 1.6km Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline through the River Niger using the Horizontal Directional Drilling special technique, minimising environmental impact. We remain committed to driving Nigeria’s energy transition,” the company said.
The HDD method is a trenchless drilling technology that allows underground utilities like pipelines to be installed without disrupting the surface.
It is especially useful for crossing sensitive areas such as rivers, roads, or populated infrastructure corridors.
The AKK Gas Pipeline project, officially launched in July 2020 by President Muhammadu Buhari, has been a central part of Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” initiative.
Spanning from Ajaokuta in Kogi State to Kano, the 40-inch diameter pipeline is designed to deliver natural gas to key off-takers along the Abuja corridor and across northern Nigeria.
The project includes associated gas facilities, terminals, and other infrastructure necessary for transporting gas efficiently across the region.
Although initially slated for completion within 24 months, by July 2022, the project has experienced several revised timelines due to various challenges, including funding, security concerns, and logistical hurdles.
Once completed, the AKK pipeline is expected to reduce reliance on diesel and firewood, boost power supply to industries, and unlock investments across the gas value chain.
It is also central to Nigeria’s broader objective of harnessing its vast natural gas reserves to achieve cleaner and more sustainable energy development.
(Business Day)
