By Our Reporter
Nigeria’s push to deepen its gas infrastructure received a major boost on Thursday as the NNPC Limited announced the successful completion of the critical River Niger crossing on the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline.
The breakthrough, executed by the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), marks a decisive milestone in the delivery of the 130-kilometre OB3 pipeline, a flagship project designed to transport up to 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day across the country.
According to the national oil company, the technically demanding crossing, completed approximately two kilometres beneath the River Niger riverbed, effectively unlocks the full capacity of the pipeline, positioning it as a backbone asset in Nigeria’s gas transmission network.
The project was delivered using advanced horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technology, with engineering support from PCE Nig. Limited, underscoring what officials described as a growing capacity for complex infrastructure execution within the country’s energy sector.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, hailed the development as a landmark achievement with far-reaching implications for energy security and economic growth.
He said the successful crossing represents a critical link in strengthening gas supply reliability, boosting domestic utilisation, and supporting power generation and industrial expansion nationwide.
Ojulari noted that the milestone builds on earlier engineering successes, including the AKK pipeline River Niger crossing completed in June 2025, adding that the OB3 project reflects a deliberate strategy to scale technical expertise and project delivery standards.
He attributed the success to disciplined execution, robust project governance, and innovative engineering solutions, as well as the commitment of project teams and partners.
The NNPC boss also acknowledged the role of the Federal Government in enabling the project, citing policy support under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s gas development agenda, as well as guidance from the company’s board led by Chairman Ahmadu Musa Kida.
Industry observers say the completion of the OB3 River Niger crossing is expected to significantly enhance gas availability across key demand centres, reduce supply bottlenecks, and accelerate Nigeria’s transition towards a gas-driven economy.
The development also aligns with the Federal Government’s ambitious production targets of 3 million barrels of crude oil per day and 12 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day by 2030.
NNPC reaffirmed its commitment to leveraging the country’s vast gas resources to drive industrialisation, expand energy access, and improve living standards, as it continues to pursue an integrated and resilient national energy infrastructure.