The NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company
The NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), a subsidiary fully owned by NNPC Limited, has completed the River Niger crossing for the 130 kilometre Obiafu Obrikom Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline. This marks an important breakthrough in Nigeria’s effort to expand its national gas transmission system.
The Benefits of completion
The completion of this crossing now allows the OB3 Pipeline to operate at its full capacity. The pipeline is designed to move up to 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas every day. This will improve gas supply across the country, support more reliable energy delivery, and help drive industrial and economic growth.
The crossing was carried out about two kilometres beneath the River Niger using advanced horizontal directional drilling technology. The project was executed by the NNPC project team in partnership with PCE Nig. Limited, a contractor known for its technical expertise.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the achievement as a major step forward for Nigeria’s gas development plans. He explained that the successful crossing shows strong technical skill, careful planning, and commitment from all teams involved.
According to him, completing this section of the pipeline unlocks a key part of Nigeria’s gas network. It will help improve steady gas supply, increase usage within the country, and support electricity generation and industrial activities.
He also noted that this success builds on previous achievements such as the AKK River Niger crossing completed in June 2025. Lessons and experience from that project were applied to deliver this more complex operation in the Niger Delta region.
He added that the result was made possible through strong project management, innovative engineering methods, and teamwork between NNPC Limited and its contractor, PCE Nig. Limited.
The GCEO also expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support through the national Gas to Prosperity agenda. He said government backing and a more supportive business environment played a key role in making the project successful. He also thanked the Board of Directors led by Engr. Ahmadu Musa Kida for their guidance.
He further appreciated the host communities for their cooperation, as well as the project teams and contractors for their dedication and professionalism.
According to him, the OB3 Pipeline is a key part of Nigeria’s long term plan to build a strong and connected gas network. It links gas producing areas in the eastern part of the country to the western network and extends toward the northern region through the Ajaokuta Kaduna Kano pipeline system.
In the short term, the completion of the River Niger crossing is expected to add over 500 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to the domestic market. This will support power plants, boost industrial production, and even improve gas supply for regional trade in West Africa.
Overall, this milestone strengthens Nigeria’s energy infrastructure and brings the country closer to its long term targets for increased oil and gas production and wider energy access.