The construction of the Ajaokuta to Kaduna to Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline project Segment 2 has progressed into Kano State axis and moving at an appreciable speed, the contractor (Brentex CPP Ltd) handling the work revealed.

The General Manager (GM) Brentex CPP Ltd, Aminu Tunau confirmed the development to Newsmen Wednesday in Kano during a townhall meeting at Kura town with leaders of 19 communities where the Pipeline will pass through.

“We started from Kaduna passing through Zaria and now we have progressed into Kano State area, while at the same time from Kaduna we are moving the other direction towards Niger State.”He added,

“This is an Engineering, Procurement and Construction project of over 300 kilometers of 40-inch gas pipeline work, and so far, we have recorded significant achievements in all the aspects, despite some challenges.

The Construction is going very fine as well as the Procurement, but notably, on the Engineering aspect we are ahead of even the schedule, we are very hopeful of completing the project within the timeframe in 2023.”

According to him, the meeting became very necessary to sensitize the affected communities about the ongoing construction work and to seek for their cooperation and support in the areas of security and labor engagements among others.

“We are meeting with the community leaders and making them to understand our mission and working modalities, and they are to communicate with their members”.

When asked about the issues concerning land compensation, the GM noted that “Land issues are always very sensitive and contentious, therefore their company always refer such matters to the Client (NNPC) who are responsible to the land acquisition and payment of compensation.

However, they generally cooperate with the Client to address such issues, whenever there is need.”

The General Manager also revealed that, Brentex CPP corporate social responsibility strategy is focused on 3 areas, Health, Water and Education.

NNPC representative at the forum, Engr. Habib Tijjani Muhammad, described the Federal Government’s commitment towards delivering the AKK project as unprecedented.

“This is the first project in Nigeria of its kind. Though the country is faced with some challenges, the commitment from both the Federal Government and NNPC is worthy to note.”

“Bulk of the materials are fabricated abroad and shipped into the country, causing some delays, but I assure you we are doing everything possible to deliver within the schedule”, Tijjani added.

He further applauded Brentex CPP for covering over 2 kilometers on the average per day, describing it a ‘remarkable speed’ with which more would be achieved.

On his part, Sadiq Imam Abdullahi, Director AKK Project Delivery Industrialization Committee (AKK PDIC), a committee set up by Kano State Government to monitor the progress of the AKK project, said his office has been in constant contact with both NNPC and the contractor.

He said, the project when completed will no doubt make positive impact on the lives of the people of Kano State, by reviving industrial and general economic activities, which will provide easy access to goods and more jobs for the teaming youth of Kano State.

Imam, who expressed delight over the contractor’s dedication to his work, said he is optimistic the project will be completed within time frame.

He assured NNPC and the Contractor of Kano State Government’s continous cooperation towards smooth completion of the project.

The officials of NNPC and the Contractor after the meeting with the village heads, paid a courtesy call on the District Head of Kura, Alhaji Abubakar Tijjani Abubakar, Dokajin Rano, who also pledged his support to the implementation of the project, blessed the visitation team and pray for a successful completion of the work.