The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has announced a significant achievement in the ongoing AKK Gas Pipeline project, with the successful horizontal directional drilling and crossing of the River Niger.
This marks a crucial step toward completing the transformative energy infrastructure by the fourth quarter of 2025.
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The milestone was revealed by the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, during his keynote address at the opening of the 24th NOG Energy Week Conference and Exhibition (#NOGEnergyWeek) held in Abuja on Tuesday.
Engr. Ojulari attributed the success to innovative contract reengineering and strong industry collaboration, underscoring NNPC Ltd.’s role in driving energy infrastructure development in line with national priorities.
“The successful River Niger crossing on the AKK pipeline brings us one step closer to energizing industries and communities along the corridor. This milestone was made possible through strategic thinking and joint efforts with our partners,” Engr. Ojulari said.
In addition to the AKK milestone, the GCEO disclosed that Nigeria recorded 100% availability of its major crude oil pipelines in June 2025 — the first time in many years — contributing to increased oil production.
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He credited this accomplishment to enhanced security interventions spearheaded by NNPC Ltd. across the industry, which have significantly reduced pipeline vandalism and disruptions.
While celebrating progress, Engr. Ojulari called for increased investments in upstream operations to sustain and scale production.
He highlighted NNPC Ltd.’s renewed financial discipline, especially in consistently meeting cash-call obligations to Joint Venture partners, which has helped restore investor confidence.
He also emphasized the enabling environment created by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021), which has positioned NNPC Ltd. to play a leading role in financing and executing critical oil and gas projects.