NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), a subsidiary of NNPC Limited, has successfully completed the River Niger Crossing on the 130-kilometre Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline, marking a significant achievement in Nigeria’s national gas transmission network.
Mr. Bashir Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, celebrated the successful completion of the technically challenging River Niger crossing, describing it as a testament to disciplined execution and technical excellence. In a statement released on Thursday, Ojulari highlighted that the successful crossing unlocks the full potential of the OB3 pipeline, reinforcing its role as a vital infrastructure for transporting two billion standard cubic feet (bscf) of gas daily.
“Executed about two kilometers beneath the River Niger riverbed, the crossing used advanced Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) technology, showcasing the technical prowess of the NNPC project team in collaboration with PCE Nig. Limited,” Ojulari explained.
He emphasized that this achievement strengthens Nigeria’s energy availability and supply reliability, contributing significantly to national economic development. The OB3 pipeline is designed to improve domestic gas utilization, support power generation, and foster industrial growth.
Ojulari pointed out that the successful completion of the River Niger crossing was not just an isolated accomplishment but built upon the successful engineering expertise demonstrated in the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) River Niger crossing in 2025. He praised the project’s rigorous governance, engineering solutions, and adaptive problem-solving as key factors in its success.
“The OB3 pipeline is central to NNPC Limited’s vision of an integrated and resilient gas network that ensures Nigeria’s energy security and economic progress,” he said.
He also acknowledged the role of key stakeholders, including President Bola Tinubu, whose Gas-to-Prosperity agenda and commitment to fostering a conducive business environment have been essential to the project’s success. Ojulari also thanked the NNPC Limited Board of Directors, led by Mr. Ahmadu Kida, for their ongoing guidance and support.
Looking ahead, Ojulari reiterated NNPC’s commitment to translating Nigeria’s vast oil and gas resources into improved living standards for all citizens, emphasizing continued collaboration with partners to achieve projects that benefit the nation.
The OB3 pipeline is a crucial part of the government’s broader energy strategy, aiming to meet the country’s gas production target of 12bscf per day by 2030. The successful River Niger crossing ensures that Nigeria’s gas-producing regions are now connected to the rest of the country, further strengthening the infrastructure backbone linking the Eastern and Western gas networks, and connecting to the Northern corridor through the AKK pipeline.
