Technical Assessment of Natural Gas Distribution Infrastructure and Domestic Energy Access in Kano State, North West Nigeria

Natural gas distribution to domestic and industrial consumers remains severely limited in northern Nigeria despite the country's substantial proven gas reserves, and Kano State represents a major population centre with significant unmet gas demand. This study conducts a technical assessment of natural gas distribution infrastructure and evaluates pathways to improved domestic energy access in Kano State, North West Nigeria. The current state of gas infrastructure in Kano is characterised through review of NNPC Gas transmission and distribution documents, Nigerian Gas Regulatory Commission licensing records, and distribution system maps from the Nigerian Gas Company. Pipeline length, design pressure ratings, compressor station locations, and estimated daily sendout capacities are documented for the limited distribution network serving Kano. Load growth projections for residential, commercial, and industrial consumers are developed using Kano State population data and industrial survey information from 2022. Technical options for extending gas access, including compressed natural gas cylinder distribution, liquefied natural gas mini-distribution, and conventional pipeline extension, are evaluated on the basis of delivered cost per unit energy and safety considerations. Results indicate that CNG distribution offers the most economically viable near-term solution for reaching dispersed industrial consumers, while conventional pipeline extension is recommended for the high-density residential corridors in Kano metropolis where load density justifies capital investment. Keywords: natural gas distribution, domestic energy access, Kano State, CNG, gas infrastructure.