NNPC, Oilserv vow to deliver pipeline project by July 2024
NNPC Limited and its contractor for the US$2.5 billion Ajeokuta-Kaduna-Kano, AKK, gas pipeline, Oilserv Limited, have vowed to deliver the 614 km gas pipeline project by July 2024.
The assurance was given by the companies on 12 October 2023 during an inspection tour of the project by the Minister of State, Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, at the Pai River crossing session in Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Abuja.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Oilserv Group of Companies, Engr. Emeka Okwuosa, informed the minister during the tour that the Pai River crossing was peculiar; hence the deployment of horizontal directional drilling technology to ensure perfect execution of the project.
Speaking on when the job would be completed, Okwuosa said: “From our schedule, I know we are finishing next year. On the main pipeline itself that will deliver the gas, we are optimistic that by July, or August next year, we would be done.
“We have our schedule as far as where we are today and we are working hard to mitigate and make sure we deliver. A lot of what we have to deal with in the next six months will be the river crossing area.”
Okwuosa commended the federal government and NNPC Limited for their support and commitment to ensure the speedy completion of the project, and also applauded the minister for his commitment towards the completion of the project.
“Your commitment towards the development of gas as a source of energy in Nigeria is unequalled. Your comment has shown your focus which is driven by your patriotic position not as an Honourable Minister, but as a person and a committed Nigeria,” he added.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of Oilserv Group of Companies said “whatever we are doing will not be possible without the support of NNPC and we are always in sync and they support and raise the funds to keep the project going.
“Our commitment is more than 100%. Though we have challenges, our job is to deal with the challenges and make sure the project is completed as scheduled.”
Also speaking during the inspection tour, the Group CEO of NNPCL, Mr. Mele Kyari, said it remained committed to the delivery of strategic national infrastructure projects through responsive project delivery, active collaboration with government security agencies and communities.