- Minister Mohammed Idris highlighted the AKK Gas Pipeline’s role in unlocking economic potential and reducing transportation costs in Northern Nigeria
- He praised President Tinubu’s commitment to industrialization and economic prosperity, underscoring the project’s significance for national development
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has emphasized that the ongoing Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline project will be pivotal in unlocking the economic potential of Northern Nigeria and the nation.
Idris made this assertion during a Friday visit to the River Kaduna site of the AKK project in Kaduna. He was accompanied by Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Mr. Ekperikpe Ekpo, Minister of State for Gas Resources; and Mele Kyari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, Minister Idris highlighted the project’s significance, stating, “The AKK project is geared towards unleashing the vast economic potential of Northern Nigeria. The transported gas will provide essential energy to homes, businesses, and industries, reducing transportation costs and facilitating economic growth.”
He praised the Tinubu administration for prioritizing the project, underscoring President Tinubu’s commitment to industrialization and economic prosperity across Nigeria.
Idris underscored the link between economic development and security, emphasizing that addressing economic challenges through job creation and prosperity could alleviate security concerns in Northern Nigeria.
Furthermore, he emphasized the AKK’s potential to bolster the agriculture value chain, a crucial sector of Northern Nigeria’s economy.
The Minister highlighted the broader impact of similar infrastructure projects nationwide, noting recent gas infrastructure commissions in the Niger Delta and upcoming inspections of transformative gas initiatives like the OB3 Pipeline River Niger Crossing Project in Rivers State.
Idris expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s vision for the “Decade of Gas” initiative, which aims to leverage Nigeria’s abundant gas resources for comprehensive national development.
In agreement, Mr. Edun described the AKK as a catalyst for prosperity, which is crucial for triggering economic growth and industrialization and aligns with President Tinubu’s strategic objectives.
Similarly, Mr. Ekpo affirmed the AKK’s role in enhancing power generation, revitalizing industries, and creating employment opportunities across Nigeria.
Earlier, Mr. Kyari assured stakeholders that the project was on track for completion by the first quarter of 2025, highlighting NNPCL’s commitment to funding the project independently.