The Niger State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) for the development and implementation of a Gas Master Plan aimed at leveraging the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline to drive industrialisation and economic development in the state.

The agreement was signed during the AKK and Energy Business Development Forum held at the Government House, 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 the Executive Director, Gas Distribution, NGML, Auwal Ibrahim, and the Company Secretary of NNPC New Energy Limited signed on behalf of the company.

Speaking at the event on Thursday, Governor Umaru Bago described the agreement as a major development for Niger State and Nigeria, saying it would transform the industrial landscape of the state and contribute significantly to industrialisation across sub-Saharan Africa.

The governor commended the NNPC for considering Niger State in the project, noting that the initiative would create opportunities for agro-allied companies, fertiliser manufacturers and hydrocarbon-related industries, while complementing the state’s hydro and solar-power resources.

Bago said his administration would maximise the opportunities created by the project to generate employment, expand the state’s productive capacity and attract more investments.

He disclosed that the state government had designated the entire stretch of the AKK pipeline corridor in Niger State as an industrial development zone, adding that the area would be gazetted to create a structured environment for investors.

According to him, the AKK pipeline would also play a major role in unlocking the economic potential of the Bida Basin for the benefit of the people of Niger State.

Representing the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Ojulari, the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye, said the NNPC leadership remained committed to maximising the benefits of the AKK pipeline for Niger State, which he described as an important energy hub in Nigeria.

Ogunleye said NNPC was focused on ensuring that the value of the AKK project was fully optimised through its gas marketing subsidiary, with plans to extend gas distribution infrastructure to Suleja, Lambata and Minna.

He described the Gas Master Plan as a practical framework for the systematic and sustainable development of gas commercialisation in Niger State.

Also speaking, the Managing Director of NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), Audu Ibrahim, provided an update on the AKK gas pipeline project, highlighting progress recorded in its construction and expressing optimism that its completion would significantly improve gas supply to industries and businesses.

The Executive Director, Gas Distribution, NGML, Auwal Ibrahim, said Niger State was strategically positioned to become a major hub for gas-based industrial development, adding that plans were underway to expand gas distribution infrastructure across the state to provide industries, businesses and households with reliable and affordable energy.

The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Yahaya Abubakar, commended the Federal Government for the initiative and assured that traditional institutions were prepared to collaborate with the government to ensure that the project improved the lives of the people.

In his remarks, Usman described the forum as a strategic platform for strengthening partnerships that would enable Niger State to fully harness the opportunities presented by the AKK gas pipeline.

He said the Bago administration remained committed to providing an enabling environment for investment through infrastructure development, sound policies and institutional support to enable businesses to thrive. (Channels TV)

•The Secretary to the Niger State Government, Abubakar Usman, and the Commissioner for Justice, Mu’azu Nasir, signed on behalf of the state government.

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