Contractor: AKK gas pipeline project to reach mechanical completion by year end

Oilserv Limited says the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas pipeline is expected to achieve its mechanical completion by the end of 2025.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja at the weekend, Emeka Okwuosa, group chief executive officer, Oilserv Group, said the “plan and target of the project is to achieve its mechanical completion by the end of 2025”.

On June 25, Oilserv, contractor handling the phase 1, said the $2.8 million AKK gas pipeline project had crossed the River Niger in Kogi state after years of setback due to its “difficult terrain”.

Speaking on the achievement by the firm, Okwuosa said his team employed the horizontal directional drilling technique, a specialised method aimed at minimising environmental impact.

He said Oilserv has become the “first indigenous company” to have successfully laid pipe across the River Niger using the technology deployed.

The Oilserv boss described the horizontal directional drilling method as a specialised technology and technique that involved navigating through consolidated formations to accomplish the milestone.

“It is on record that technology is a trenchless method for installing underground utilities like pipes, conduits, or cables,” Okwuosa said.

“This is done by using a surface-launched drilling rig to create a curved, underground path, minimising surface disruption.

“We have been working closely with the NNPC to overcome challenges.

“The crossing of River Niger, which is the major obstacle, is a major milestone. Without crossing the River Nigeria, you will not have a complete pipeline.”

He said the pipeline traversed diverse terrains, including thick jungle, multiple river crossings along the right of way, as well as hills and cliffs.

“We had to cross roads and dual carriageways. It may appear simple, but a lot of times, you cross these without crossing the road. Physically, you have to drill across,” Okwuosa said.

“But the significance of River Niger is that it is a huge river from one bank to the other.

“In this particular case, where we are is more than two kilometers. And we have to build this pipeline in a way that we respect the environment and avoid disturbing the water itself.

“The crossing was similar to the Channel Tunnel that was built from England to France in order to have train passage, as the Channel Tunnel was a larger diameter hole that enabled transport to go.”

The Oilserv boss said his company is constructing 303 km of the 614 km pipeline, starting from Ajaokuta and extending to the border between Kaduna state and Niger state.

“Part of it has already been built, namely – the Escravos Lagos Pipeline, which is in existence and OB3 pipeline, which we completed our part four years ago,” he said.

‘HOW OILSERV OVERCAME FINANCIAL CHALLENGES’ 

Okwuosa said the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and Fidelity Bank Plc provided the necessary funding support for the project.

“Oilserv raises the money, achieves the milestone, puts its bill/invoice, while the NNPCL pays,” he said.

Also speaking, Gbola Adeniyi, AKK project manager, Oilserv Limited, reiterated the company’s commitment to deliver on record time.

“To be honest with you, the completion of River Niger is as good as, saying, AKK project is completed,” he said

“However, regardless of whatever challenges, be it rock, muddy terrain, road crossing, we can surmount it. This is because on this project, we have more than about 13 major road crossings.

“This pipeline crossed Abuja-Okene Expressway, Abuja-Okene, Abuja-Okene in about three places. Then Lokoja-Abuja Expressway, and two places. Then, from Abuja-Mina, Abuja-Bida, going all the way.

“When we opened the road, the rocks we excavated, drilled and blasted will be able to fill up about 30 numbers, 30 tonnes trailer.”

Adeniyi said the River Niger was finally crossed, the road was stabilised, and the rehabilitation of the roads was completed.