FIC Report (Niger State) – The Niger State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) for the development and implementation of the Niger State Gas Master Plan. The initiative is designed to leverage the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline to drive gas commercialization, industrialization, and economic growth across the state.
The agreement was formalized during the AKK and Energy Business Development Forum held at the Government House, Minna, between the Niger State Government and the NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML).
The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Mu’azu Nasir, signed on behalf of the Niger 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 NNPC.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago described the agreement as a landmark achievement for both Niger State and Nigeria, noting that it would redefine the landscape of industrialization not only in the state but across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Governor commended NNPC for partnering with Niger State on the project, explaining that it would create vast opportunities for agro-allied industries, fertilizer manufacturing, hydrocarbon companies, and other energy-intensive businesses, while complementing the state’s existing hydroelectric and solar energy resources.
Governor Bago said his administration would maximize the opportunities presented by the project to create jobs, stimulate economic activities, and enhance productivity across the state.
He further disclosed that the AKK Gas Pipeline would significantly boost the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by attracting new industries and investments. To facilitate this, he announced that the entire corridor along the AKK pipeline within Niger State has been designated as an Industrial Development Zone and will be officially gazetted to encourage local and foreign investment.
The Governor also stated that the pipeline project would play a vital role in unlocking the enormous hydrocarbon potential of the Bida Basin, paving the way for greater prosperity for the people of Niger State.
Speaking on behalf of the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the Executive Vice President, Gas, Power and New Energy, Olalekan Ogunleye, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring that Niger State derives maximum benefits from the AKK Gas Pipeline, describing the state as a strategic energy hub in Nigeria.
He explained that NNPC is deliberately focusing on Niger State to optimize the value of the AKK project through its gas marketing subsidiary, with gas distribution planned for Suleja, Lambata, and Minna.
According to Ogunleye, the initiative represents NNPC’s practical commitment to implementing the Niger State Gas Master Plan, which provides a structured framework for the systematic development and commercialization of gas resources within the state.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), Audu Ibrahim, provided an update on the AKK Gas Pipeline project, highlighting the significant progress recorded in construction and expressing confidence that, upon completion, the pipeline would substantially improve gas supply to industries and businesses.
Similarly, the Executive Director, Gas Distribution, NGML, Auwal Ibrahim, described Niger State as strategically positioned to become a major hub for gas-based industrial development. He disclosed that plans are underway to expand gas distribution infrastructure across the state to provide reliable and affordable energy to industries, businesses, and households.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, commended the Federal Government for the initiative and assured that the traditional institution would continue to collaborate with government at all levels to improve the welfare of the people.
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar 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 reiterated Governor Bago’s commitment to creating an enabling environment through investment-friendly policies, infrastructure development, and institutional support that will encourage businesses to thrive and accelerate the state’s industrial transformation.
Dr Asabe Sule Garba
HOC Minna
31st July, 2026.
