The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has announced the completion of the River Niger crossing on the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline, adding 2 billion standard cubic feet per day to gas transmission capacity.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the company’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, on Thursday.

According to the statement, the crossing, handled by the NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company, is one of the most technically complex sections of the OB3 pipeline project.

The company said the milestone represents a significant step in efforts to boost energy security, expand gas supply to industries, and enhance electricity generation nationwide.

NNPC Ltd described the completion of the River Niger crossing as a key breakthrough for Nigeria’s gas sector, noting that it is central to unlocking the full capacity of the OB3 pipeline.

The company said the project will improve 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.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said the achievement reflects technical excellence and disciplined execution in delivering complex energy infrastructure.

Ojulari said the development will strengthen gas supply reliability while also supporting power generation and industrial expansion across Nigeria.

He noted that it aligns with national energy objectives focused on increasing gas production and expanding utilisation across key sectors.

He further described the completion as a defining milestone for Nigeria’s energy landscape, adding that it underscores the company’s ability to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects.

The OB3 Gas Pipeline was conceived as part of Nigeria’s strategy to develop an integrated gas transmission network linking major production areas to key demand centres.

Over the years, the project has experienced delays due to technical challenges, funding constraints, and difficult terrain along its route.

The pipeline is intended to connect the Eastern and Western gas networks, thereby improving nationwide gas distribution and supply efficiency.

The River Niger crossing has long been regarded as one of the most technically demanding sections, given its depth and complex environmental conditions.

In July 2025, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited announced the successful completion of the River Niger crossing for the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano Gas Pipeline Project.

The River Niger crossing forms part of the broader AKK Gas Pipeline Project, which spans about 614 kilometres and is designed to transport 2.2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.