Kano Manufacturers Demand Compensation as AKK Gas Pipeline Nears Completion

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) says the main part of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline is almost done. This comes as a company is asking for compensation for land taken for the project.

NNPCL stated that this facility will improve gas supply and increase Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) availability in Northern Nigeria.

Bashir Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., shared this during an interview in Abuja on Friday.

Mr Ojulari said the AKK Gas Pipeline project is now 95 per cent complete. The last five per cent involves finishing auxiliary stations and connections for end-users.

He pointed out that adding more gas linkages will greatly increase CNG supply in the region.

Mr Ojulari expects gas to start flowing to Abuja by the end of 2026. This will support power generation, factories, data centres, and industrial areas. Supplies to Kaduna and Kano are set for 2027.

He mentioned that NNPCL raised $1.5 billion for the project based on what they expect the pipeline can deliver.

“The main pipeline of the AKK gas project, running from Ajaokuta through Kaduna to Kano, has been completed,” Mr Ojulari said. “The remaining five per cent involves completing some of the stations needed to connect users to the main pipeline.”

“We hope to deliver gas to Abuja as the first phase before the year ends, and by 2027, we will extend supply to Kaduna and Kano. But remember, this is just the main line. From there, we will build more connections to other areas.”

“We have already taken care of the initial phase because we now have the Abuja power plant. As we expand north and make those connections, CNG supply will increase greatly.”

“We still need to extend the network toward Maiduguri and Sokoto, so there is more work to be done. But it is now easier than moving gas all the way from Port Harcourt to those places.”

He explained that the infrastructure creates a better supply network and makes it easier to distribute gas.

While he acknowledged that further extensions are needed to reach cities like Maiduguri and Sokoto, Mr Ojulari stressed that the AKK pipeline is a key support that will make future expansions much easier.

The AKK Gas Pipeline is a 40-inch, 614-kilometre pipeline system running from Ajaokuta in Kogi State to Kano. It has intermediate and terminal gas facilities meant to transport natural gas to commercial and industrial users in Northern Nigeria.

Protest

At the same time, A.B. Janruwa Enterprises is asking for compensation for over four hectares of land taken in Kano State for a development linked to the AKK Gas Pipeline Project.

The Kano-based manufacturing company said the disputed land is in the Chalawa Industrial Area of Kumbotso Local Government Area. They claim it was taken from local farmers for a factory expansion project that should create over 2,000 jobs.

According to the company, contractors for the government started fencing the land. They later found out that it had been included in a proposed industrial layout related to the AKK gas pipeline.

Development Must Not Come at the Expense of Justice

Speaking on the issue, the company’s manager, Abdullahi Hashim, said they support industrial growth and investments like the AKK pipeline. But they believe affected businesses should not bear the costs alone.

He stated that the company was surprised to see work happening on the land without any formal notice or compensation arrangements.

The problem raises a bigger question in Nigeria about whether landowners’ rights are protected during such projects.

For A.B. Janruwa Enterprises, this is not about opposing development but about fairness, due process, and proper compensation.

Lawyer Questions Due Process

The company’s lawyer, Umar Ahmad-Umar, said they did not receive a notice about the land being taken. They only learned about the situation after work had started.

The lawyer argued that compensation is more than just money. “It is a basic safeguard to balance public interest with private rights. It ensures that citizens and businesses do not unfairly bear the costs of national projects.”

Government Assures Landowners of Compensation

In response to the claims, Murtala Shehu, Director of Public Enlightenment at the Kano State Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning, said all affected landowners will be compensated. He urged the company to stay calm.

The official assured that no land would be taken without compensation and called the project a way to boost Kano State’s economy.

Mr Shehu asked for patience while government processes are ongoing.

Hussaini Bukar, a development expert, said paying fair and timely compensation protects property rights, prevents disputes, and builds investor confidence.

He added that while development is important for growth, it should not come at the cost of investors. “Paying compensation shows respect for affected communities and businesses and increases public support for national projects,” Mr Bukar said.

He stressed that if land is taken for public use, compensation must follow according to the law. This is not just a legal requirement but a foundation for growth and investor trust in Nigeria.