NNPC Limited has announced a significant milestone in Nigeria’s energy infrastructure development, following the successful completion of the River Niger segment of the Obiafu–Obrikom–Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline.
The project was executed by the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), which confirmed that the technically demanding crossing beneath the River Niger has now been finalized. This achievement effectively completes a critical section of the 130-kilometre OB3 pipeline, designed to transport up to 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas daily across the country.
Engineers carried out the crossing approximately two kilometres below the riverbed, deploying advanced horizontal directional drilling (HDD) techniques. The work was delivered in collaboration with PCE Nig. Limited, whose role was instrumental in navigating the complex terrain and environmental challenges associated with the Niger Delta region.
With this development, the OB3 pipeline is now positioned to operate at full capacity, enhancing gas distribution across Nigeria. Industry analysts say the infrastructure will play a vital role in stabilizing energy supply, boosting electricity generation, and supporting industrial expansion, while also reinforcing the country’s broader economic growth agenda.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the milestone as a major engineering accomplishment and a reflection of improved project execution capabilities within the organization. He emphasized that overcoming the River Niger crossing represents a crucial step toward building a more integrated and reliable national gas network.
Ojulari also noted that the success builds on earlier achievements, including similar work completed under the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) pipeline project. According to him, lessons learned from previous projects were applied to deliver even more complex engineering outcomes in this phase.
He further acknowledged the role of government support, particularly under the leadership of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose administration has prioritized gas development as part of its economic strategy. In addition, he commended the guidance of the company’s board, led by Ahmadu Musa Kida, as well as the contributions of project teams and host communities.
The OB3 pipeline is a key component of Nigeria’s long-term energy plan, linking eastern gas reserves to western markets and extending supply routes toward the northern region via the AKK pipeline network. In the short term, the completed crossing is expected to unlock more than 500 million standard cubic feet of additional gas for domestic use, with positive implications for power generation, manufacturing, and regional gas exports.
Overall, the completion of the River Niger crossing marks a decisive step in strengthening Nigeria’s gas infrastructure, improving energy access, and advancing national development objectives.