NNPCL Completes Landmark River Niger Crossing on OB3 Gas Pipeline

NNPC Limited has announced the successful completion of the River Niger crossing on the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to expand its national gas transmission network.

The crossing, executed roughly two kilometres beneath the riverbed, unlocks the full capacity of the 130-kilometre OB3 pipeline, designed to transport up to 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.

The project, delivered by the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company in collaboration with PCE Nig. Limited, utilised advanced horizontal directional drilling technology to navigate one of the most technically demanding segments of the route.

Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Bayo Ojulari described the achievement as a defining moment for the country’s energy infrastructure.

“The completion of the OB3 River Niger Crossing is a clear demonstration of disciplined execution and sustained commitment to excellence,” he said, adding that the project would enhance supply reliability and support power generation and industrial growth.

Ojulari noted that the milestone builds on previous engineering successes, including the AKK pipeline crossing completed in 2025, and reflects the company’s growing technical capability.

He also credited the support of the Federal Government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the NNPC board, chaired by Ahmadu Musa Kida, for enabling the project’s delivery.

The OB3 pipeline forms a critical backbone linking eastern and western gas networks, while extending connectivity to the northern corridor through the AKK pipeline.

The development is expected to significantly improve domestic gas distribution and strengthen the country’s energy security.

In the near term, the completed crossing is projected to unlock more than 500 million standard cubic feet of additional gas supply for the domestic market, supporting electricity generation, industrial expansion and regional exports.