AKK gas pipeline crosses River Niger in major milestone

The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline project has achieved a major milestone with the successful crossing of the River Niger—one of its most technically challenging segments.

Oilserv Limited, the contractor handling the 614-kilometre project, announced the breakthrough on Tuesday via its official X account.

The company used the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technique to lay the 40-inch diameter pipeline across the 1.6-kilometre stretch under the riverbed, minimizing environmental impact.

“We have successfully crossed the River Niger using HDD, a trenchless method that allowed us to install the pipeline with minimal surface disruption.

“This marks a key step in advancing Nigeria’s energy transition,” Oilserv stated.

The HDD technique is ideal for crossing sensitive terrains such as rivers, roads, and densely populated areas without open trench excavation.

Launched in July 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, the AKK pipeline is a flagship project under Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” initiative.

It stretches from Ajaokuta in Kogi State to Kano, aiming to supply natural gas to industrial and power facilities across Abuja and northern Nigeria.

Despite initial plans to complete the project by July 2022, progress has been hampered by funding delays, security issues, and logistical challenges.

However, the successful River Niger crossing marks significant progress toward final delivery.

Once completed, the pipeline is expected to reduce dependence on diesel and firewood, enhance electricity supply, stimulate industrial growth, and attract investment across the gas value chain.

It is also a key component of Nigeria’s push for a cleaner, gas-powered economy.