Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has successfully completed the long-delayed River Niger crossing of the OB3 gas pipeline, unlocking a vital link in Nigeria’s gas transmission network.
The milestone project, executed by the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company, involved drilling nearly two kilometres beneath the River Niger using advanced horizontal directional drilling techniques.
Announced in a statement by NNPC’s spokesperson, Andy Odeh, the breakthrough brings the 130-kilometre Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) pipeline to full operational capacity, enabling it to transport up to 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily.
“The NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company, a wholly owned subsidiary of NNPC Limited, has successfully completed the River Niger crossing of the 130-kilometre Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben Gas Pipeline, marking a major milestone in the expansion of Nigeria’s national gas transmission network.
“The successful crossing unlocks the full potential of the OB3 pipeline, a strategic infrastructure designed to transport up to 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, significantly strengthening energy availability, enhancing supply reliability, and accelerating national economic development.”
The company noted that the development will immediately boost domestic gas supply by over 500 million standard cubic feet per day, supporting power generation, industrial activity, and exports.
Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari described the achievement as a major turning point for Nigeria’s gas infrastructure expansion, highlighting its importance for energy reliability and economic growth.
