By: Adelowo Oladipo, Minna
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago of has declared the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline corridor in the state an Industrial Development Zone as part of plans to accelerate industrialisation, attract investments and drive gas-powered economic growth.
Umaru Bago made the declaration on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 AKK and Energy Business Development Forum in Minna, saying the state would gazette the corridor and provide the infrastructure required to attract investors.
The Governor r said more than 1,000 square kilometres of land between the AKK pipeline entry point from the Federal Capital Territory and its exit point in Munya Local Government Area had been designated for industrial development.
He also said the state would fast-track compensation on the land to pave the way for industries, adding that the AKK project offered a unique opportunity to unlock the economic potential of the Bida Basin and transform Niger into an industrial powerhouse.
The Governor also announced plans to establish a major Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) hub in Suleja, with groundbreaking scheduled for September, saying the project would support cleaner transportation and unlock economic opportunities for residents.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for removing fuel subsidy, describing the decision as a bold reform that had opened new opportunities for gas development and accelerated Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy.
The Governor pledged to deepen collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Ltd., assuring investors that the state government would provide an enabling environment through supportive policies, infrastructure and legislation to guarantee the success of the AKK project.
Earlier, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr Bashir Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, described the AKK pipeline as a transformative national infrastructure project that would bridge Nigeria’s resource wealth with industrial prosperity.
Bayo Ojulari said the pipeline formed part of the Trans-Nigerian Gas Pipeline network and would provide the infrastructure required to commercialise Nigeria’s abundant gas resources while supporting the Federal Government’s target of increasing gas supply to 10 billion standard cubic feet per day by 2027 and 12 billion by 2030.
He said the project would stimulate investments in manufacturing, petrochemicals, fertiliser production, mining, agro-processing and power generation, while creating jobs and strengthening regional competitiveness across Northern Nigeria.
According to him, Niger State is strategically positioned to become a leading energy and industrial hub because of its central location, abundant land, mineral resources, hydroelectric assets, solar energy potential and direct access to the AKK pipeline.
Bayo Ojulari revealed disclosed that NNPC was extending gas distribution infrastructure to key industrial corridors and advancing plans for CNG mother stations in Izom to provide industries and transport operators with cleaner and more affordable energy.
In his welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, said the forum reflected the Bago administration’s commitment to building a stronger, more competitive and economically vibrant Niger State through strategic investments in energy infrastructure.
Abubakar Usman said the AKK pipeline was a transformative national project that would drive industrial growth, create employment opportunities and support sustainable economic development, adding that the state government had continued to improve the business environment through infrastructure development and institutional reforms.
Also presenting an update on the project, the Managing Director of the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), Alhaji Audu Ibrahim, said construction had reached an advanced stage, with all 623.21 kilometres of mainline welding completed, trenching almost concluded and pre-commissioning activities ongoing on completed sections.
He said the project, approved under the Nigerian Gas Master Plan, would strengthen gas supply to industries and power plants while positioning Niger State as a strategic energy corridor for agro-processing, manufacturing, fertiliser production, logistics and other gas-based investments.
Highlight of the forum was arrangement signing of NNPC new energy limited and Niger state government for cooperation in promotion and Development of Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Solutions.
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