Oilserv, Contractor of AKK gas pipeline crosses the River Niger
By EMMANUEL KUJE, Abuja-
Oilserv Limited, the contractor handling the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline project, has successfully crossed the River Niger using the Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) special technique.
This milestone marks a significant achievement in the 614km natural gas pipeline project designed to transport gas for power generation, industrialization, and residential use from Ajaokuta to Kano, passing through Kaduna and Abuja.
Group Chief Executive Officer of Oilserv Limited, Dr. Emeka Okwuosa, at a press conference in Abuja, confirmed the development, highlighting the company’s technical expertise in overcoming the challenging terrain.
“The crossing of River Niger, which was the major obstacle and challenge facing the project, is a major milestone achieved,” Okwuosa said.
The HDD method used to cross the River Niger is a trenchless technology that minimizes surface disruption and environmental impact.
Okwuosa described the technology as a special technique that involves drilling through a consolidated formation to achieve the milestone.
Okwuosa stated that Oilserv is building 303km of the pipeline, approximately half of the total length, starting from Ajaokuta to the border between Kaduna State and Niger State. The project faces challenges such as security, terrain, flood, and logistics involved in moving large pipes from the port to the relevant location.
NNPC Ltd. has managed to overcome financing challenges with support from Afreximbank. Oilserv raises funds, achieves milestones, and submits bills/invoices, which NNPC pays.
The AKK pipeline is a key part of Nigeria’s Gas Master Plan, aimed at promoting industrialization and economic growth. The project’s completion is targeted for mechanical completion by the end of 2025.
