Nigeria’s indigenous oil service firm, Oilserv limited, has mobilized men, material and heavy duty equipment to its Ajaokuta site in commencement of activities towards delivery of the 614km gas pipeline. This is the latter part of the EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) work scope awarded the firm on the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano gas pipeline project.
Consistent with its declaration of 2020 as the year of gas, the nation is finally on the verge of unlocking huge economic benefits arising from its natural gas endowment. The lack of basic transmission infrastructure had hindered the nation from harnessing its huge endowment of gas reserves. Ranked 9th globally in terms of proven gas reserves, its renewed zest for optimizing the natural resource is focused on producing sufficient gas for power generation. Also central to its agenda is the intent to stimulate rapid industrialization using gas as feedstock for fertilisers, ammonia and other petrochemical plants.
Speaking to newsmen, recently, at its Port Harcourt base, chairman of Oilserv, Engr. Emeka Okwuosa, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to leave no stone unturned in its partnership with NNPC to fulfill the dreams of 200million Nigerians, by delivering the AKK project to global quality and standards.
In his words, “The capability of Oilserv has been honed in the course of successful delivery of landmark EPC contracts such as lot B of the 48inch OB3 gas pipeline system, which is currently being commissioned.
“Simultaneously, we’ve begun haulage of equipment to site for the AKK project, and will commence construction shortly because we plan to deliver way ahead of scheduled time.”

At a separate occasion, the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mele Kyari had noted that, “the AKK project is key to resolving the power deficit challenge of the country. Its multiplier effect on the economy and provisions of jobs will be unprecedented. NNPC will give all necessary support to the Contractors to enable them deliver the project within time and within budget”.
It will be recalled that Oilserv was awarded the engineering, procurement, construction, installation, testing, and commissioning of the first segment of the 614km x 40inch gas pipeline, which runs from Ajaokuta to mid-way between Abuja and Kaduna. Another company was awarded the second.
The indigenous EPC giant has gone ahead to register significant progress within a short space of time, including the ongoing detailed engineering design, topographical and geotechnical surveys, haulage and stacking of line pipes in preparation to commence construction activities.