The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced the completion of the River Niger crossing segment of the 130-kilometre Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben (OB3) gas pipeline, concluding a critical phase of a project that has experienced prolonged delays.
In a statement issued by its spokesperson, Andy Odeh, the company said the milestone was achieved through its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC). The river crossing—widely regarded as the most technically challenging portion of the project—had been a major constraint on the pipeline’s overall completion.
The OB3 pipeline connects gas production hubs in Rivers State to processing and distribution facilities in Edo State. Progress on the project had been hindered for years, largely due to the engineering complexity of installing infrastructure beneath the River Niger.
According to NNPCL, the crossing was executed using Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology, with the pipeline laid approximately two kilometres below the riverbed. The work was undertaken in collaboration with PCE Nigeria Limited.
The company stated that completing this segment enables the pipeline to move closer to its designed capacity of transporting up to two billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, with implications for improved supply reliability and increased availability for power generation and industrial use.
Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, said the development represents progress in expanding Nigeria’s gas transmission network, noting that the completed crossing removes a key bottleneck in linking supply sources with demand centres.
He added that the project draws on technical experience from similar infrastructure, including the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) pipeline crossing completed in 2025, and reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen execution capacity.
Ojulari also acknowledged contributions from government stakeholders, the company’s board, project contractors, and host communities.
The OB3 pipeline is intended to integrate eastern and western gas networks and extend connectivity to northern regions through its link with the AKK pipeline. This interconnection is expected to support broader domestic gas utilisation.
NNPCL indicated that, in the near term, the completed crossing could facilitate an incremental supply of over 500 million standard cubic feet of gas to the domestic market.
Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, described the completion as an important step in advancing Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, noting its potential to improve supply stability and support economic activity.
He said the development aligns with the federal government’s “Decade of Gas” initiative, which focuses on expanding gas production, infrastructure, and utilisation across the country.
Ekpo commended NNPCL, its subsidiary NGIC, contractors, and host communities for their roles in delivering the project.