The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), has announced the successful completion of the River Niger crossing on the 130-kilometre Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, the company described the development as a major milestone in Nigeria’s gas infrastructure expansion.
The River Niger crossing, which runs about two kilometres beneath the riverbed, is one of the most technically complex sections of the project. It was executed using advanced horizontal directional drilling technology by the NNPC project team in collaboration with PCE Nig. Limited.
According to the company, the completion of this section unlocks the full capacity of the OB3 pipeline, which is designed to transport up to 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day. Once fully operational, it is expected to improve gas supply reliability, boost power generation, and support industrial growth across the country.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the achievement as a “defining milestone” for Nigeria’s gas development efforts. He said the project reflects disciplined execution and technical excellence, noting that it builds on earlier successes such as the AKK River Niger crossing completed in 2025.
Ojulari added that the OB3 pipeline is central to efforts to build an integrated and resilient national gas network, linking key gas-producing regions with major consumption hubs across the country.
He also commended the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its support, as well as the NNPC Board of Directors and project partners for their contributions.
According to him, the project aligns with Nigeria’s long-term energy goals, including targets to increase crude oil and gas production by 2030. The OB3 pipeline is also expected to unlock over 500 million standard cubic feet of additional gas for the domestic market, with potential benefits for power supply, industrial expansion, and regional exports within West Africa.