Niger, NNPC Sign MoU to Drive Gas-Based Industrialisation Through AKK Pipeline
The Niger State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) for the development and implementation of a state-wide gas master plan aimed at leveraging the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline to accelerate industrialisation and economic development.
The agreement was signed during the AKK and Energy Business Development Forum held at the Government House, Minna, between the Niger State Government and NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML).
The Secretary to the Niger State Government, Abubakar Usman, and the Commissioner for Justice, Mu’azu Nasir, signed on behalf of the state government, while the Executive Director, Gas Distribution, NGML, Auwal Ibrahim, and the company’s Secretary signed on behalf of the NNPC subsidiary.
Speaking at the forum, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the agreement as a major milestone for Niger State and Nigeria, saying it has the potential to transform the industrial landscape of the state and the wider sub-Saharan African region.
The governor commended the NNPC for including Niger State in the initiative, noting that access to gas would create new opportunities for agro-allied industries, fertiliser production, hydrocarbon-related businesses and other energy-intensive enterprises.
He said the project would complement the state’s existing hydropower and solar energy resources while creating employment opportunities and expanding the state’s productive capacity.
According to Bago, the development of the AKK gas corridor will contribute significantly to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as more industries and businesses establish operations along the pipeline route.
He disclosed that his administration had designated the entire stretch of the AKK pipeline corridor in Niger State as an Industrial Development Zone, which will be formally gazetted to facilitate investment and attract more businesses to the area.
The governor also said the AKK project would play an important role in unlocking the economic potential of the Bida Basin, thereby creating new opportunities for the people of Niger State.
NNPC Pledges to Maximise AKK Benefits
Representing the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye, said the company’s leadership was committed to maximising the benefits of the AKK pipeline for Niger State.
He described Niger as an important energy hub and disclosed that NNPCL was working to optimise the value of the AKK project through its gas marketing subsidiary.
Ogunleye said the gas distribution network would be extended to Suleja, Lambata and Minna, providing access to gas for industries, businesses and other users.
He explained that the initiative represents a practical step towards developing a comprehensive gas master plan that would provide a systematic framework for the commercialisation and utilisation of gas resources across Niger State.
Gas Infrastructure Expansion Underway
The Managing Director of NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), Audu Ibrahim, provided an update on the AKK Gas Pipeline project, highlighting progress made in its construction.
He expressed optimism that upon completion, the project would significantly improve gas supply to industries and businesses, thereby supporting economic activities along the pipeline corridor.
Similarly, the Executive Director, Gas Distribution, NGML, Auwal Ibrahim, described Niger State as strategically positioned to become a major hub for gas-based industrial development.
He disclosed that plans were underway to expand gas distribution infrastructure across the state to provide industries, businesses and households with reliable and affordable energy.
Traditional Institution Backs Initiative
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, commended the Federal Government for the initiative and pledged the support of traditional institutions towards its successful implementation.
He said the traditional institution remained committed to working with government at all levels to promote initiatives capable of improving the lives and economic prospects of the people.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, described the forum as a strategic platform for strengthening partnerships that would enable Niger State to maximise the opportunities presented by the AKK Gas Pipeline.
He said the Bago administration was committed to creating an enabling environment for investors through infrastructure development, sound policies and institutional support to enable businesses to thrive.
The signing of the MoU marks a significant step towards positioning Niger State as a major gas-powered industrial and investment hub, with the AKK pipeline expected to serve as a catalyst for industrialisation, job creation, energy security and sustainable economic growth.
Niger, NNPC Sign MoU to Drive Gas-Based Industrialisation Through AKK Pipeline