Amanze Chinonye
Nigeria’s state-owned oil company, NNPC Limited, has announced the successful completion of a major engineering milestone on the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline, with the crossing of the River Niger now fully achieved, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a press statement issued on April 30, the company disclosed that the feat was executed by its subsidiary, the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), marking a critical step in expanding Nigeria’s gas transmission network.
The OB3 pipeline, a 130-kilometre strategic infrastructure project, is designed to transport up to 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day. The River Niger crossing completed using advanced horizontal directional drilling technology approximately two kilometres beneath the river bed removes a major bottleneck and unlocks the pipeline’s full operational capacity.
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Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the development as a defining milestone for the country’s energy infrastructure, citing its potential to improve gas supply reliability and drive industrial growth.
“The completion of the OB3 River Niger Crossing demonstrates disciplined execution and sustained technical excellence. It unlocks a critical link that will deepen domestic gas utilisation and support power generation across the country,” Ojulari said.
He noted that the achievement builds on lessons from the AKK pipeline project, particularly the River Niger crossing completed in June 2025, adding that the OB3 segment posed even greater technical challenges due to its location in the Niger Delta.
Ojulari attributed the success to strong project governance, innovative engineering solutions, and collaboration with contractors, particularly PCE Nig. Limited, whose expertise and workforce he said were instrumental in delivering the project.
He also commended host communities for their consistent support, noting that stakeholder cooperation played a vital role in ensuring smooth execution.
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The NNPC boss acknowledged backing from the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, linking the project to the administration’s broader “Gas-to-Prosperity” agenda aimed at boosting energy access and economic growth.
Beyond its engineering significance, the completed crossing is expected to enhance connectivity between Nigeria’s eastern and western gas networks, while extending supply to the northern corridor through the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline.
According to the company, the development aligns with the Federal Government’s target of increasing crude oil production to 3 million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion standard cubic feet per day by 2030.
In the short term, the OB3 pipeline is projected to deliver over 500 million standard cubic feet of additional gas supply to the domestic market, with expected benefits for power generation, industrial expansion, and regional gas exports within West Africa.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
