NIGERIAN WELDERS DEMAND GREATER ROLE IN AKK PIPELINE PROJECT

Nigerian welding professionals have called on the Federal Government and operators of the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline to give qualified local welders greater opportunities in the project.

The demand was made by members of the Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW), who said Nigeria has a pool of certified professionals capable of handling complex welding and fabrication work.

The institute’s Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Maa’ji, alleged that Nigerian welders were being sidelined on major projects despite having the required technical expertise and international certifications.

He also raised concerns about differences in remuneration, claiming that some foreign welders on the AKK project earn as much as ₦3 million, while Nigerian welders reportedly receive between ₦200,000 and ₦300,000.

The NIW urged the Federal Government and project operators to comply fully with Nigeria’s local content regulations by increasing the participation of indigenous professionals in the AKK project and other NNPC-related works.

The institute said greater local participation would create jobs, retain more value within Nigeria, reduce costs, and strengthen the country’s technical workforce.

The call comes as the AKK pipeline advances towards completion, with its mainline welding works already completed and other installations ongoing.