Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced the completion of the River Niger crossing of the Obiafu-Obirikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline, a project that will unlock a transport capacity of 2 billion standard cubic feet per day (2bcf/d) of gas.
NNPC GCEO, Bayo Ojulari, made this known in a statement posted on his X handle on Thursday, April 30, noting that completion of the project strengthens Nigeria’s energy security, power generation, and industrial growth.
“I am pleased to announce that NNPC Limited has successfully completed the River Niger crossing of the OB3 Gas Pipeline,” Ojulari stated.
According to him, the pipeline crossing was executed 2km beneath the riverbed using advanced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology.
This marks the completion of one of the most technically challenging sections of the project, ending a decade-long wait since the pipeline’s inception in 2016.
He said the project builds on earlier success recorded with the completion of the Ajaokuta-Kano-Kaduna (AKK) pipeline crossing, and “reflects disciplined execution, innovative engineering, and the unwavering commitment of our team and partner, PCE Nig. Limited.”
Ojulari thanked President Bola Tinubu for what he described as the president’s “Gas-to-Prosperity agenda” that has been driving the implementation of the gas projects.
He also extended his appreciation to the NNPC Board led by Ahmadu Musa Kida, the host communities, and the Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC) for their steadfast support and commitment.
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The NNPC boss emphasised that the OB3 Pipeline links the Eastern gas network to the Western network and also connects to the Northern corridor through the AKK Pipeline.
Specifically, it transports gas from Rivers, Delta, Edo and connects the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS), supplying the Western corridor (Ondo – Lagos).
In the near term, the completion is expected to unlock over 500 million standard cubic feet of incremental gas supply specifically for the domestic market. This is projected to immediately boost power generation and industrial growth across the country.
Ojulari added that the AKK pipeline will supply power plants, fertiliser, manufacturing, and new industries across Kaduna, Kano, and beyond, “driving job creation, economic diversification, energy access, and West African exports.”
The state-owned oil company said OB3 is the largest gas pipeline in Nigeria and among the largest globally.
It added that the pipeline facility has a bi-directional flow capability to boost future supply-demand flexibility.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist, scholar and analyst of socioeconomic issues in Nigeria and Africa. He is skilled in energy reporting, business and economy, and holds a master's degree in Mass Communication. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X