By Ayomide Otitoju
The NNPC Limited has announced the successful completion of the River Niger crossing on the 130-kilometre Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline, marking a significant advancement in Nigeria’s gas infrastructure expansion.
The project, executed by the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), a subsidiary of NNPC Limited, unlocks the full capacity of the OB3 pipeline, which is designed to transport up to 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day. The development is expected to enhance energy supply reliability, boost domestic gas utilisation, and support economic growth.
The technically complex crossing, completed approximately two kilometres beneath the riverbed of the River Niger, was delivered in collaboration with PCE Nig. Limited using advanced horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the achievement as a major milestone for Nigeria’s energy sector, highlighting its role in strengthening gas supply, supporting power generation, and driving industrial growth.
He noted that the success builds on the company’s previous engineering accomplishments, including the AKK River Niger crossing completed in June 2025, demonstrating NNPC’s growing execution capacity in complex energy projects.
Ojulari also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose gas development agenda has been instrumental in advancing critical infrastructure. He further commended the NNPC Board, led by Ahmadu Musa Kida, for its guidance.
The OB3 pipeline is a strategic link connecting Nigeria’s eastern and western gas networks, with extension to the northern corridor through the AKK pipeline. In the short term, the project is expected to unlock over 500 million standard cubic feet of additional gas supply for the domestic market, supporting electricity generation, industrial activities, and regional gas exports.
NNPC reiterated its commitment to leveraging Nigeria’s oil and gas resources to improve living standards and drive sustainable economic development, while appreciating host communities and project partners for their contributions to the milestone.
