The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced the completion of the River Niger crossing on the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline, unlocking an additional 2 billion standard cubic feet per day (2 bcf/d) in transmission capacity.
The company confirmed this in a statement signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, on Thursday.
The crossing, executed by the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company, is regarded as one of the most technically challenging sections of the OB3 project.
The company said the development marks a turning point in efforts to strengthen energy security, expand industrial supply, and improve electricity generation capacity across the country.
What the NNPC is saying
The NNPC Limited described the completion of the River Niger crossing as a critical breakthrough for Nigeria’s gas sector, highlighting its role in unlocking the full capacity of the OB3 pipeline.
The company said the project will enhance supply reliability and deepen domestic gas utilisation.
- “The successful crossing unlocks the full potential of the OB3 Pipeline, a strategic infrastructure designed to transport up to 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, significantly strengthening energy availability, enhancing supply reliability, and accelerating national economic development,” the company said.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said the project demonstrates technical excellence and disciplined execution in delivering complex energy infrastructure.
- Ojulari noted that the development will improve gas supply reliability and support power generation and industrial growth across Nigeria.
- He added that the project aligns with national energy goals aimed at expanding gas production and utilisation.
Ojulari further stated that the completion represents a defining moment for Nigeria’s energy sector and reinforces the company’s capacity to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects.
Get up to speed
The OB3 Gas Pipeline project was conceived as a key part of Nigeria’s plan to build an integrated gas transmission network linking major production regions to demand centres. Over the years, the project has faced delays due to technical difficulties, funding challenges, and complex terrain along its route.
- The pipeline is designed to connect the Eastern and Western gas networks, improving supply distribution across the country.
- It also forms part of broader efforts to expand gas infrastructure under Nigeria’s “Gas-to-Prosperity” agenda.
- The OB3 project has long been considered essential for reducing gas supply bottlenecks affecting power generation.
The River Niger crossing has historically been one of the most difficult engineering segments due to its depth and environmental complexity.
What you should know
In July 2025, NNPC Ltd announced the successful completion of the River Niger crossing on the critical Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline Project.
AKK pipeline, spanning approximately 614 kilometers, is designed to transport 2.2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.
The OB3 River Niger crossing is expected to play a major role in reshaping Nigeria’s gas distribution landscape and supporting national energy transition efforts.
The OB3 pipeline is designed to significantly improve national gas transportation efficiency and reliability.
- It supports Nigeria’s broader goal of increasing gas production to 12 billion standard cubic feet per day by 2030.
