The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has successfully completed a major part of the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline by crossing the River Niger, marking an important step in improving the country’s gas supply network.
This long-awaited achievement was carried out by the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company, a subsidiary of NNPC Ltd. Engineers drilled nearly two kilometres beneath the River Niger using advanced horizontal directional drilling technology, a method used for highly complex construction environments.
With this milestone, the full capacity of the 130-kilometre OB3 pipeline is now operational. The pipeline is designed to transport up to two billion standard cubic feet of gas per day, which will significantly improve energy supply across Nigeria.
According to NNPC, the completion of the river crossing will immediately increase gas availability by over 500 million standard cubic feet for domestic use. This is expected to benefit power generation, manufacturing industries, and even gas exports.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bayo Ojulari, described the project as a major breakthrough for Nigeria’s energy sector. He explained that overcoming the technical challenges of the River Niger section shows the company’s commitment to delivering large-scale infrastructure projects.
He added that the success builds on earlier engineering achievements, including a similar river crossing completed in 2025 for the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline. According to him, the company applied lessons learned from previous projects, combined with strong planning and innovative solutions, to complete the OB3 crossing.
Ojulari emphasized that the OB3 pipeline is a key part of Nigeria’s plan to build a strong and connected gas network. This network is expected to improve energy reliability, support industrial growth, and strengthen the country’s economy.
He also linked the project to the Federal Government’s long-term goals of increasing crude oil production to three million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion standard cubic feet per day by 2030.
The completion of the crossing means that gas-producing areas in the eastern part of Nigeria are now directly connected to other parts of the country. This connection is essential for ensuring steady gas supply nationwide.
For years, the OB3 pipeline project faced delays, especially at the River Niger crossing, which was considered the most difficult section due to environmental and geological challenges in the Niger Delta region. These delays had limited gas movement between regions and affected electricity generation and industrial productivity.
Now that the crossing is complete, experts believe Nigeria is closer to achieving a fully integrated gas network. This development is expected to reduce gas shortages, improve power supply, and support economic growth.
In addition, the improved network could boost gas exports to other West African countries, helping Nigeria strengthen its position as a regional energy hub.
NNPC also acknowledged the support of the Federal Government, project partners, host communities, and workers who contributed to overcoming the challenges and completing the project.
Overall, the successful River Niger crossing represents a major step forward in Nigeria’s efforts to expand energy access, improve infrastructure, and drive national development.
