Gov. Bago declares AKK Corridor an Industrial Development Zone

…. Unveils Gas-Led Growth Plan

By Daniel Ebi ,Minna.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has declared the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline corridor passing through the state an Industrial Development Zone, outlining plans to leverage the gas infrastructure to stimulate industrialisation, attract investment and expand economic activities.

The governor made the declaration on Thursday while delivering the keynote address at the 2026 AKK and Energy Business Development Forum in Minna.
 He said the state government would gazette the corridor and provide supporting infrastructure aimed at encouraging industrial investments.

According to Bago, more than 1,000 square kilometres of land along the pipeline route from its entry point into Niger State from the Federal Capital Territory to its exit through Munya Local Government Area have been earmarked for industrial development.

He said the government would accelerate compensation for affected landowners to facilitate the planned industrial projects, noting that the AKK pipeline presents an opportunity to support the development of the Bida Basin and broaden the state’s industrial base.

The governor also disclosed plans to establish a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) hub in Suleja, with groundbreaking expected in September. He said the facility is intended to support the growing adoption of gas-powered transportation and related economic activities.

Bago commended the Federal Government’s energy reforms, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy, saying they have created conditions for increased investment in Nigeria’s gas sector. 

He also pledged continued collaboration with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, assuring prospective investors of the state’s commitment to providing an enabling business environment through infrastructure, legislation and policy support.

Earlier, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Mr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, represented by the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Mr. Olalekan Ogunleye, described the AKK pipeline as a strategic national infrastructure project designed to strengthen gas utilisation and support industrial growth.

He said the pipeline forms part of the Trans-Nigerian Gas Pipeline network and is expected to facilitate the commercialisation of Nigeria’s 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 standard cubic feet per day by 2030.

Ojulari said the project is expected to attract investments into manufacturing, petrochemicals, fertiliser production, mining, agro-processing and power generation, while creating employment opportunities across Northern Nigeria.

He added that Niger State’s geographical location, extensive landmass, mineral deposits, hydroelectric resources, solar energy potential and access to the AKK pipeline position it as a potential energy and industrial hub.

According to him, NNPC is expanding gas distribution infrastructure to major industrial corridors and developing Compressed Natural Gas mother stations in Izom to supply cleaner and more affordable energy to industries and transport operators.

In his welcome address,the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, said the forum was convened to explore opportunities associated with the AKK pipeline and discuss strategies for attracting investment into the state’s energy sector.

He noted that the state had continued to pursue infrastructure development and institutional reforms aimed at improving the business environment.

Providing 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 the pipeline’s mainline welding completed. He added that trenching was nearing completion, while pre-commissioning activities had commenced on completed sections.

Ibrahim said the AKK project, approved under the Nigerian Gas Master Plan, is expected to strengthen gas supply to industries and power plants while supporting investments in manufacturing, agro-processing, fertiliser production, logistics and other gas-dependent sectors.

A major highlight of the forum was the signing of a cooperation agreement between NNPC New Energy Limited and the Niger State Government to promote the development of renewable energy and low-carbon solutions across the state.