Senate fumes over delayed execution of $2.8b AKK gas pipeline project

BY HARUNA SALAMI

The Senate has warned Brentex CCP Limited, the contractor engaged in the execution of $2.8billion Ajaokuta – Kaduna – Kano ( AKK) Gas Pipeline Project that further delay in project completion would not be tolerated.

The Senate through its Committee on Local Content sounded the note of warning on Tuesday an interactive session on the project at the National Assembly.

Chairman of the Committee, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (PDP Kogi Central ) , particularly quizzed the management of Brentex CPP Limited , on $1 27billion stations execution component of the contract during an interactive session with them.

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But in an attempt to defend the contracting firm, Sani Abubakar, Chairman of Brentex CPP Limited , lamented to the committee that parts of the delay in the execution of the contracts , is attempt being made by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd ( NNPCL) , to descale the $1.27billion station component of the contract .

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“NNPCL has written us that they are descaling the $1.27billion stations (TGS ) component of the contract and we have been in discussion with them for the past eighteen months.

“So, the delay on execution of the contract is not from us but from NNPCL “, he said.

But the Chairman of the Committee in her response, told the Brentex Chief Executive that based on information at her disposal through documents submitted, NNPCL is making the move to take the stations component of the contract from Brentex for delay in execution.

“Should I tell you, you are refusing to mention something. The reason why NNPCL is considering descoping is that , they are not satisfied with the pace of work .

“Let’s be very honest, they said the project is supposed to be completed in 2022, it wasn’t completed and they gave you first extension to 2023 and even recently extended again , to complete everything by May , 2025.

“To the very best of every stakeholders’ knowledge, the stations are in your control because it still makes part of the $1.27billion as you said and the only person delaying is you. .

“Consequently to sum it up , just submit every correspondence between your company and NNPCL.

“If they have written to you to descope , let us see that letter because I’m very sure , NNPCL must have stated in such letter that if you do not complete by so, so , we will take away this. They won’t just say we are descoping”.