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In what industry stakeholders are describing as a turning point in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure development, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has recorded a significant engineering breakthrough on the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project, successfully completing the River Niger crossing, one of the most technically challenging phases of the multi-billion-dollar project.
This milestone coincides with another major achievement under the administration of NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bayo Ojulari- the remarkable 100% pipeline availability across its critical oil and gas transmission network — a feat that has not only enhanced operational efficiency but also revived investor confidence in the sector.
Engineering Feat: River Niger Crossing Completed
The River Niger crossing, a crucial segment of the 614-kilometre AKK pipeline, posed significant geological and environmental challenges due to the sheer width, depth, and hydrological complexity of Nigeria’s longest river.
Through advanced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) techniques and careful environmental management, NNPCL and its contractors completed the underground crossing without interrupting aquatic ecosystems or river navigation.
The AKK pipeline is one of the flagship projects of Nigeria’s gas infrastructure blueprint, designed to transport natural gas from the southern region to the northern economic corridor.
Once completed, the pipeline will power industrial hubs, support thermal power generation, and unlock commercial opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation.
Speaking on the development, a senior NNPCL project executive described the River Niger crossing as “a high-stakes segment that required precision engineering and logistical coordination.”
“This is not just a technical win. It’s a strategic milestone for national development,” the official said.
100% Pipeline Availability Restored Across the Country
Even more remarkable is NNPCL’s announcement that, for the first time in years, Nigeria has attained 100% availability across its strategic pipeline network — including crude oil, natural gas, and product transportation systems.
This means that all critical pipelines are now fully operational, free of major leakages, sabotage-related shutdowns, or maintenance-induced downtimes. It marks a dramatic turnaround from past years, when pipeline vandalism, technical failures, and poor surveillance infrastructure caused significant losses in product delivery and national revenue.
Industry experts say the restored availability has already begun reducing transportation costs, improving supply chain reliability, and boosting crude evacuation efficiency — a key concern for international oil companies operating in Nigeria.
Bayo Ojulari’s Steady Hand at the Helm
The twin breakthroughs — the AKK River Niger crossing and full pipeline availability — have come under the reform-focused leadership of Engr. Bayo Ojulari, who was appointed GCEO of NNPCL just four months ago.
Ojulari, a seasoned energy executive and engineer, has prioritized infrastructure optimization, transparency in operations, and alignment with global best practices. His administration has embarked on a rigorous operational audit, expanded deployment of pipeline monitoring technology, and introduced performance-based contracting for surveillance and maintenance firms.
“These are the kind of results you get when leadership is intentional, focused, and grounded in operational realities,” said an energy policy analyst in Abuja. “Ojulari isn’t reinventing the wheel — he’s simply applying discipline to execution, and the numbers are showing it.”
Implications for Energy Security and Investment
The successful River Niger crossing brings Nigeria closer to delivering the AKK pipeline — a project that is central to the country’s “Decade of Gas” strategy and a pillar of its energy transition plan. The pipeline is expected to transport over 3.5 billion cubic feet of gas per day, feeding into power plants and industrial zones across the North.
Moreover, pipeline stability is improving Nigeria’s reputation among investors, especially as the country competes for energy capital with emerging markets in East Africa and the Middle East. With vandalism-related shutdowns reduced and infrastructure reliability restored, Nigeria is signaling that it is ready to do business — and to do it differently.
Looking Ahead
As the AKK pipeline nears completion, and with full pipeline functionality now a reality, NNPCL under Ojulari’s leadership is positioning Nigeria for long-term energy security and economic diversification. The company has also hinted at a renewed push for downstream infrastructure upgrades, further gas commercialization projects, and integration with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) energy agenda.
If sustained, the momentum could mark a new chapter for Nigeria’s oil and gas sector — one defined not by missed opportunities, but by discipline, delivery, and strategic foresight.
Eze, a media consultant and a public affairs analyst wrote from Lagos.