NNPC GMD reassures on commencement of AKK project
-By Saidu Abubakar
The Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline project codenamed AKK meant to move gas to power industries in the northern corridor is scheduled to be inaugurated in the second quarter of this year, the Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari has assured.
Kyari stated this on Thursday while marking the NNPC Day at the ongoing 41st Kaduna International Trade Fair have leing at the Trade Fair Complex in Kaduna.
According to the GMD, the Fair’s theme aligns with part of NNPC’s current focus – linking all the regions together with cost-effective energy to unleash their respective potential for national economic growth and in essence, bringing fore, the Corporation’s slogan – Transparency, Accountability and Performance Excellence, TAPE.
Mallam kyari who was represented by the Managing Director of the Kaduna Refining and Petrochemical Company, KRPC, Egnr. Ezekiel Osarolube, noted that when completed, the gas project would power most of the moribund textile industries in Kaduna and Kano states, thereby reviving and creating job opportunities for unemployed youths.
“Construction work on the AKK Pipeline, which is designed to move gas to power industries in the Northern corridor is billed to commence in the second quarter of this year.”
Kyari also formally introduced the recently launched NNPC’s latest products – Nitro and Rhino brands of engine oil, specifically blended to enhance performance of engines.
“The Nitro range of engine oil is for petrol-fired engines while the Rhino range is for diesel-fired engines”, he emphatically said, adding that “they are specially blended to enhance the performance of engines and give them long life.”
He further said that NNPC was transforming from a traditional oil and gas entity into an integrated energy outfit with interest in power generation and transmission.
The decision to diversify into the power sector, be stressed, was hinged on the need to bridge the huge energy gap in the Nigerian market.
