By Gideon Osaka
Northern Nigeria is often painted with a familiar brush: insecurity, underdevelopment, and political neglect. In recent months, that narrative has grown louder , with claims that the Tinubu administration is leaving the region behind. Yet on the ground, a different story is unfolding, one written not in rhetoric, but in steel, pipelines, power plants, and LNG terminals.
For decades, the region has been defined by agriculture, trade, and resilience, but rarely by energy. That perception is fast changing. Today, the north is at the heart of Nigeria’s most ambitious infrastructure rollout in a generation, with gas pipelines, integrated oil and gas fields, modular LNG plants, and hydropower projects that promise to unlock jobs, industries, and inclusive growth.
From the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, already 83% complete, to the Kolmani Integrated Development and pioneering mini-LNG projects in Kogi, Northern Nigeria, is emerging as the launchpad for the nation’s Decade of Gas and its broader energy transition. These projects are not just about fuelling homes and factories; they are about redefining the North as a hub of industrial power, clean energy, and investor confidence.
This feature explains how these projects are laying the foundations for a new future, one where the North is no longer seen as a consumer of energy, but as a producer, innovator, and frontier of Nigeria’s next economic chapter.
In recent months, political and civic leaders from Northern Nigeria have voiced growing concerns about what they describe as neglect, insecurity, and economic exclusion of the region under the presidency of Bola Tinubu. The narrative of marginalisation has gathered momentum in political circles and on the streets of Kano, Kaduna, Maiduguri, Sokoto, and beyond. The rhetoric is simple but loaded: the North is being left behind compared to the South.
But does this narrative hold up when it comes to the energy sector, a critical driver of industrialisation, security, and development? Rather, evidence suggests that under President Tinubu’s administration, the North is witnessing a surge of transformative projects. From the monumental Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, to the integrated Kolmani oil and gas development, to innovative mini-LNG plants, to power plants and more, the North is emerging as a centrepiece in Nigeria’s evolving energy map.
To unravel the reality on the ground, Valuechain Energy Magazine spoke with Yusuf Usman, a Non-Executive Director of NNPC Ltd., who shared progress on some of the projects being undertaken on the side of NNPC Ltd. He spoke particularly on the AKK pipeline, Kolmani Integrated Development, and Floating LNG in Kogi, all projects being championed by NNPC Ltd in the North. His account paints a compelling picture of a region on the cusp of an energy renaissance if leaders and communities in the region seize the moment. Also in focus, are in the story, are other strategic energy endeavours that will reshape the region’s future.
Fueling North’s Industrialisation via the AKK Gas Pipeline
The Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline is not just another piece of infrastructure; it is Northern Nigeria’s long-awaited lifeline for industrial growth, energy security, and economic inclusion. Stretching 623 kilometres, this $2.8 billion project is 83 per cent complete as of August 2025, with full mechanical completion expected by November. Welding on the mainline is nearly done, terminal stations are 75 per cent finished, and more than 289 kilometres have already been pre-commissioned.
“AKK is more than infrastructure; it’s a strategic asset unlocking industrial growth, power generation, and energy affordability across Northern Nigeria,” Yusuf Usman emphasised.
The project is being financed directly from NNPC Ltd.’s balance sheet, a move made possible by the commercial transformation enabled by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021). This approach ensures timely contractor engagement, quick payments, and insulation from political or bureaucratic delays. Security challenges, including right-of-way disputes, have been addressed through close coordination with national security agencies, local vigilantes, and host communities, backed by advanced surveillance technologies.
AKK’s economic impact in the North is expected to be transformative. Beyond supplying clean-burning natural gas for power generation, the pipeline will catalyse the development of gas-based industries such as fertilisers, petrochemicals, and other manufacturing clusters. Over 1,900 direct jobs have already been created during construction, with thousands more to follow as industries sprout along the pipeline corridor.
The project also aligns squarely with Nigeria’s “Decade of Gas” initiative, which aims to shift the country from oil dependence toward a gas-driven industrial economy. With a transport capacity of 2.2 billion standard cubic feet per day (scf/d), AKK will not only power factories and SMEs in the North but will also replace expensive and polluting diesel and firewood with cheaper, cleaner alternatives like compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).
“In addition to the enormous economic benefits, host communities will have the opportunity to benefit from scalable corporate social responsibility programs cutting across education, healthcare, and infrastructure to ensure inclusive development,” Usman said.
This is not merely an energy project; it is a pathway to regional stability. Cleaner fuels will improve public health, gas-based power will reduce blackouts, and industries will provide sustainable jobs that keep restless youths engaged. The pipeline even has continental significance: it forms a backbone for future integration into the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline to Europe via Niger and Algeria, positioning Northern Nigeria as a hub for regional energy trade.
Kolmani Integrated Development
If the AKK pipeline is Northern Nigeria’s industrial artery, the Kolmani oil and gas project is its beating heart. Nestled between Gombe and Bauchi states, Kolmani represents Nigeria’s first fully integrated oilfield development in the North, combining upstream crude production, midstream refining, gas processing, power generation, and fertiliser production in one seamless ecosystem.
Unlike traditional oil projects that pump crude over long distances for refining, Kolmani’s “in situ” model processes oil and gas right where they are produced, reducing costs, environmental risk, and security vulnerabilities. The refinery component, expected to handle 40,000 to 70,000 barrels per day, will supply domestic markets directly. A 150-200 MW gas-to-power plant and a fertiliser plant will add further value.
“We are deploying an integrated model to minimise cost, environmental impact, and security risks while enhancing profitability through downstream value creation,” Yusuf Usman explained.
With Presidential approvals and over $3 billion in foreign direct investment commitments, drilling resumed in May 2025 at Kolmani River-5, with plans to re-enter existing wells by early 2026. Comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) have been carried out to prevent the mistakes of the Niger Delta.
NNPC Ltd is embedding transparency through PIA-mandated Community Development Agreements and local content initiatives. Procurement is being localised, vocational training programs are underway, and contractors from the region are being prioritised. “Kolmani is driven by technical and commercial merit, not politics,” Usman stressed, countering claims of northern resource exploitation for political ends.
With ~1 billion barrels of oil and 500 billion cubic feet of gas in place, Kolmani is a symbol of strategic energy decentralisation, proof that Nigeria’s hydrocarbon wealth does not begin and end in the Niger Delta. If managed prudently, Kolmani can anchor a new economic corridor in the North, feeding local industries, boosting internally generated revenue for states, and reducing fuel transportation costs.
Kogi’s Floating LNG to revive Northern textiles, agriculture, manufacturing
In January 2025, ground was broken in Kogi State for a series of modular mini-LNG plants, designed to bring natural gas directly to off-grid industries and communities within the Northern corridor. These plants, now under execution with commissioning expected between Q3 and Q4 2026, are tailored for flexibility and speed.
Rather than relying on large-scale LNG export terminals that require massive volumes and costly infrastructure, Kogi’s mini-LNG projects will deliver liquefied natural gas to domestic users via “virtual pipelines”, specialised trucks distributing gas to manufacturing clusters, transport fleets, and power users.
“Mini-LNG is modular, cost-effective, and avoids the logistical challenges of large-scale LNG. It enables rapid deployment and direct delivery to underserved regions,” Usman said.
This approach will slash diesel use, cut emissions, and provide manufacturers with affordable fuel. The revenue potential is enormous because the domestic market, not volatile global LNG prices, is the target.
For Northern Nigeria, the implications are profound. By providing a reliable gas supply, the project is expected to power industries, reduce transportation and logistics costs, and support sectors such as textiles, agriculture, and manufacturing. It is also projected to create hundreds of jobs, starting with at least 100 at the Ajaokuta site alone, while enabling three additional mini-LNG facilities in each of the 19 northern states. This will not only boost local economies but also transform Kogi into a strategic energy and industrial hub. The governor of Kogi State has described the initiative as a “transformational opportunity” that will redefine the state’s place in the national energy landscape and accelerate economic growth throughout the region.
Beyond these flagship initiatives, several other energy-related projects, in gas, power generation, renewables, and infrastructure, are advancing in the North under the Tinubu administration.
Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant (GIPP)
A 1,350 MW combined-cycle gas-fired independent power plant (IPP) in Gwagwalada, FCT, with three 450 MW blocks, is being constructed. Fed by AKK gas, it’s expected to generate $700–800 million annually in its first decade.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who personally performed the groundbreaking ceremony in Gwagwalada few months after he took office, insisted that the 350MW phase one of the 7,350MW plant must be completed within the three-year contract duration.
Once completed, the GIPP is projected to generate 10.3 million MWh of electricity annually, supplying the grid via a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with NBET and subsequent distribution through Nigeria’s DisCos.
Reliable power will invigorate industries, stimulate economic activity across Abuja and Northern Nigeria, and attract further investment. It underscores the shift from Nigeria being merely an energy consumer to becoming more industrialised and productive.
Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP)
The trans-Saharan gas pipeline, later evolving into the Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NMGP), is a 5,660 km regional onshore/offshore system intended to deliver Nigerian gas across 13 African countries and into Europe. Significant progress and milestones have already been recorded.
Discussions between Nigerian and Moroccan officials have intensified, emphasising Tinubu’s commitment to advancing the project. Tendering is expected to begin this year, initially focusing on the Moroccan segment, with phased development extending across the route.
While the project is advancing technically and institutionally, actual construction has not yet begun; however, final investment and major construction likely hinge on approval by the end of 2025.
For Northern Nigeria, being part of this mega-corridor can attract investment into midstream infrastructure such as compressor stations and gas hubs, spurring industrial development and creating clusters of economic activity.
Engagement in such a large-scale regional project can lead to thousands of jobs, especially in logistics, construction, and operations, strengthening local economies in the North.
While Northern Nigeria might not receive direct gas deliveries from the pipeline, better infrastructure can foster domestic gas utilisation, benefiting electricity generation, industrial zones, and urban centres.
Gurara II Hydropower – Kaduna State
The Gurara II Hydroelectric Power Station is a 360 MW greenfield hydropower facility across the Gurara River in Kagarko, Kaduna State. It’s distinct from the smaller 30 MW Gurara I station upstream. Construction of the plant, which began in 2023, is expected to be commercially commissioned by 2026. The 360 MW output, plus the already-operational 30 MW Gurara I, is a significant boost to the national grid, especially powering Kaduna State and its environs.
As a multipurpose dam, Gurara II will help mitigate flood risks downstream, benefiting states such as Kogi, Benue, Taraba, Delta, Cross River, and Bayelsa. This protects over 6 million people from flood-related disasters. The dam is also expected to supply water to around 400,000 people and support irrigation for roughly 3,000 hectares of farmland, boosting agricultural output and food security in the region and beyond.
On the renewable energy front, northern Nigeria is embracing solar. The ABIBA Solar Power Station, a 50 MW PV solar farm under development near Kaduna, is poised to generate around 82.5 GWh annually, enough to power roughly 200,000 households. This infusion of clean power will integrate directly into the national grid, diversifying the region’s energy sources. The private sector has joined the charge as well. Independent Power Plants (IPPs) and solar developers, supported by policies under the “Renewed Hope Agenda,” are injecting fresh energy into the sector.
Future where the North is not sidelined but empowered: A Call to Northern Leaders
These projects tell a story that runs contrary to the narrative of marginalisation. Far from being overlooked, Northern Nigeria is being woven into the nation’s energy future through gas pipelines, inland refining hubs, hydroelectric ventures, solar parks, and decentralised LNG distribution. Each project is both a standalone investment and a critical link in an integrated energy ecosystem, one that advances power access, industrial growth, environmental sustainability, and regional equity.
For these initiatives to bear fruit, northern governors, senators, traditional rulers, and community leaders must lean in. They should cultivate industrial hubs along the AKK corridor, support training on pipelines for local people, and invest in transmission and distribution infrastructure. State governments can co-invest in ancillary infrastructure like roads, power distribution, and industrial estates to maximise the impact of the federal energy projects. Leaders should communicate clearly about ongoing projects, their timelines, and benefits.
If Northern leaders move with purpose, Northern Nigeria can emerge not just as a beneficiary of energy investments but as the beating heart of Nigeria’s energy-driven resurgence.
The projects ongoing in the North are more than isolated investments. Together, these projects are demonstrating that the Tinubu administration is investing heavily in Northern Nigeria’s energy future, contrary to claims of exclusion. The challenge now lies not with the presidency or NNPC Ltd., but with northern political and business leaders.
Northern Nigeria’s transformation depends not only on pipelines, refineries, and LNG plants, but also on political will and strategic vision. The energy projects ongoing in the region are not abstract promises; they are visible projects moving at pace under President Tinubu’s administration. The North stands to gain more from these energy initiatives than from any cash-transfer program or short-term political patronage.
As Yusuf Usman concluded: “AKK, Kolmani, and Kogi LNG exemplify our commitment to a just, sustainable energy future. They prove that NNPC Ltd. can deliver projects that are technically sound, commercially viable, and socially inclusive.”