By Ayomide Otitoju
The Niger State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited for the development and implementation of a Gas Master Plan aimed at accelerating industrialisation and economic growth through the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline.
The agreement was signed during the AKK and Energy Business Development Forum held at the Government House in Minna between the Niger State Government and NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML).
The Secretary to the Niger State Government, Abubakar Usman, and the Commissioner for Justice, Mu’azu Nasir, signed on behalf of the state government, while Executive Director, Gas Distribution, NGML, Auwal Ibrahim, and the Company Secretary of NNPC New Energy Limited signed for the company.
Speaking at the event on Thursday, Governor Umaru Bago described the agreement as a major milestone for both Niger State and Nigeria, saying it would transform the state’s industrial landscape and strengthen industrial development across sub-Saharan Africa.
Bago commended NNPC for partnering with the state, noting that the Gas Master Plan would create opportunities for agro-allied industries, fertiliser production, hydrocarbon-related businesses and other manufacturing sectors while complementing the state’s hydroelectric and solar energy resources.
He said the state government would leverage the project to create jobs, expand industrial production and attract both local and foreign investments.
The governor also announced that the entire AKK pipeline corridor within Niger State had been designated as an industrial development zone, adding that the area would be officially gazetted to provide a structured investment environment.
According to him, the AKK pipeline would also unlock the economic potential of the Bida Basin, creating new opportunities for economic development in the state.
Representing the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Ojulari, the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to maximising the economic benefits of the AKK pipeline for Niger State, which he described as a strategic energy hub.
Ogunleye said NNPC, through its gas marketing subsidiary, plans to expand gas distribution infrastructure to Suleja, Lambata and Minna, ensuring industries and businesses benefit from reliable gas supply.
He described the Gas Master Plan as a practical framework for the systematic and sustainable commercialisation of gas resources in Niger State.
The Managing Director of NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), Audu Ibrahim, also provided an update on the AKK pipeline project, expressing confidence that its completion would significantly improve gas supply to industries and businesses across the country.
Executive Director, Gas Distribution, Auwal Ibrahim, said Niger State is strategically positioned to become a major hub for gas-based industrial development, adding that plans are underway to expand gas distribution infrastructure to serve industries, businesses and households with affordable and reliable energy.
Also speaking, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, commended the Federal Government for the initiative and pledged the support of traditional institutions to ensure the project delivers tangible benefits to residents.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Abubakar Usman, described the forum as a strategic platform for deepening collaboration between government and industry stakeholders to maximise the opportunities presented by the AKK gas pipeline.
He reaffirmed the Bago administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for investment through infrastructure development, sound policies and institutional support to drive sustainable economic growth.
