Since the appointment of Bashir Ojulari as Group Chief Executive Officer, NNPC Ltd has been undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. No longer simply an oil giant defined by its past, the company is reinventing itself as a commercially focused, globally competitive energy player, using the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021) as its springboard. Ojulari’s leadership has placed emphasis on building strategic energy infrastructure that not only fuels Nigeria’s economy but also secures its place in the global energy transition.
From the massive Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline to the Kolmani Integrated Development and the pioneering Floating LNG project in Kogi State, NNPC Ltd. is reshaping how energy is produced, delivered, and consumed in Nigeria. These projects combine profitability with social impact; bringing affordable energy closer to homes and industries, creating jobs, boosting investor confidence, and positioning gas as the anchor of Nigeria’s future.
In this exclusive interview, Yusuf Usman, Non-Executive Director of NNPC Ltd., takes us inside these transformative projects, explaining how they embody the company’s new vision under Ojulari’s stewardship. His insights reveal not just the technical progress, but also the broader mission: ensuring energy access, industrial growth, and sustainability in equal measure.
Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project
How far along is the AKK project, and are we still on track for delivery?
As of August 2025, the AKK Pipeline is 83% complete on its 623-kilometre mainline. Welding is nearly finished, and over 289 kilometres have been pre-commissioned. We are on track for full mechanical completion by November 2025. Specialised works are done, and terminal stations are at 75% completion. AKK is more than infrastructure’s a strategic asset unlocking industrial growth, power generation, and energy affordability across Northern Nigeria.
How is NNPC Ltd. addressing financing and right-of-way challenges?
We’ve prioritised AKK, leveraging our commercial status enabled by the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA 2021), to self-finance strategic commercial opportunities through our balance sheet. This ensures timely payments and contractor engagement. Security and right-of-way are managed via partnerships with national agencies, local vigilantes, and host communities. Advanced surveillance and stakeholder engagement frameworks have been instrumental in maintaining progress and trust.
What economic benefits should host communities expect?
Beyond power and industrial supply, AKK will catalyse gas-based industrialisation, including fertiliser, petrochemicals, and manufacturing, stimulating SMEs. Over 1,900 jobs have already been created. The project will also enable cleaner fuels like CNG and LPG, which will reduce household costs and improve health. In addition to the enormous economic benefits of the project, host communities will have the opportunity to benefit from our scalable CSR programmes, cutting across education, healthcare, and infrastructure to ensure inclusive development.
How does AKK align with Nigeria’s Decade of Gas and energy transition?
AKK is a flagship of the Decade of Gas policy. With 2.2 billion scf/day capacity, it expands domestic infrastructure and promotes cleaner alternatives to diesel and firewood. It supports Nigeria’s Paris Agreement commitments and positions us for regional integration via the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline.
How is NNPC balancing AKK development with carbon reduction goals?
AKK facilitates decarbonisation by replacing diesel and coal with natural gas. SCADA-based leak detection and methane mitigation systems are integrated in the AKK project. We’re also investing in flare commercialisation, hybrid gas-solar models, and carbon capture pilots. AKK exemplifies our commitment to a just, sustainable energy future.
Kolmani Integrated Development Project
How is Kolmani being developed sustainably and profitably?
We’re deploying an integrated in situ model combining production, refining (40–70 kbopd), gas-to-power (150–200 MW), and fertiliser output. This reduces reliance on long pipelines, minimising cost, environmental impact, and security risks. Profitability is enhanced through domestic sales and downstream value creation.
What strategies are in place to avoid the resource curse?
NNPC E&P Ltd. is rolling out a PIA-based Community Assessment to embed transparency and inclusivity. Comprehensive ESIAs have been conducted. Community development agreements and local content programmes ensure shared prosperity and mitigate unrest, drawing lessons from the Niger Delta.
Can you update us on drilling and investment progress?
Drilling resumed in May 2025 with Kolmani River-5 (KR-5). We’re analysing data to refine our development strategy and plan to re-enter existing wells in Q1 2026. With presidential approvals and over $3 billion in FDI, Kolmani is advancing toward a Final Investment Decision (FID).
How do you respond to concerns about political influence?
Kolmani is driven by technical and commercial merit, not politics. With ~1 billion barrels of oil and 500 bcf of gas and FTSA-backed funding, it represents strategic inland energy decentralisation and economic equity.
Are northern contractors and workforce being prioritised?
Yes. We’re working with NCDMB to localise procurement, provide vocational training, and formalise community hiring, ensuring regional inclusion and capacity building.
Floating LNG Project in Kogi State
What is the current status and commissioning timeline?
Following the January 2025 groundbreaking, most mini-LNG projects have entered execution. Equipment orders are underway, and modular delivery strategies are in place. Commissioning is targeted for Q3–Q4 2026. These plants will bring LNG to off-grid communities and industries.
Why is mini-LNG more suitable for Kogi than conventional LNG?
Mini-LNG is modular, cost-effective, and tailored to the available domestic gas volumes available through our gas pipeline network in Kogi. It enables rapid deployment and direct delivery to underserved regions. Virtual LNG trucking ensures flexibility and avoids the logistical challenges of large-scale LNG.
How will the gas be marketed, and what is the revenue potential?
The focus is domestic utilisation, serving manufacturing clusters, transport fleets, and power users. This reduces diesel dependence and emissions. Selective exports may follow, but the core value lies in opening Nigeria’s inland gas market. Revenue potential is substantial, driven by industrial demand.
What technical challenges exist, and how are they being addressed?
Challenges include soil conditions, flooding, and logistics. We’re mitigating these through geotechnical design, modular construction, and local partnerships. NNPC’s experience along the River Niger is a strategic advantage.
How is NNPC positioning Kogi’s mini-LNG competitively?
A: These projects prioritise domestic demand, providing a stable revenue base and shielding us from global demand volatility. By proving this scalable model, NNPC is leading in decentralised LNG solutions that balance commercial returns with social impact.
Cross-Cutting Strategic Themes
Investor Confidence
AKK, Kolmani, and Kogi LNG collectively demonstrate NNPC Ltd’s transformation into a commercially driven, profit-oriented enterprise. These projects are technically sound, strategically aligned, and attractive to global investors.
Transparency and Accountability
We ensure rigorous reporting to regulators and publish monthly updates online. Our governance frameworks reflect global best practices, reinforcing public trust and investor confidence.
Lessons from Past Projects
We’ve institutionalised lessons from our large-scale strategic and complex projects like OB3, especially in contracting, route optimisation, and construction planning. For example, the River Niger crossing on AKK was executed seamlessly, informed by OB3’s challenges. These insights are quite handy in guiding our current and future project delivery.