NNPC Limited has announced the completion of the River Niger crossing of the 130-kilometre Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s gas infrastructure expansion drive.

The project was executed through its subsidiary, NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company, using advanced horizontal directional drilling technology to construct the pipeline segment approximately two kilometres beneath the River Niger riverbed. The operation was carried out in collaboration with PCE Nig. Limited.

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, and shared via the company’s official communication channels on Thursday.

The OB3 pipeline is a strategic national project designed to transport up to 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day. It is expected to connect Nigeria’s eastern and western gas networks while also extending supply access toward the northern corridor through the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline system.

With the completion of the river crossing, NNPC said a critical section of the pipeline has been unlocked, enabling the immediate addition of over 500 million standard cubic feet per day of gas supply to the domestic market.

This is expected to support electricity generation, industrial activity, and wider energy distribution across regions.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the development as a major achievement for Nigeria’s energy sector, noting that it reflects improved engineering capability and disciplined project execution within the organisation.

He added that the success builds on previous infrastructure milestones, including the earlier River Niger crossing achieved under the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano pipeline project.

Ojulari also credited the Federal Government’s gas development policy under President Bola Tinubu, as well as the NNPC Board leadership, for supporting the project’s delivery.

According to the company, the OB3 pipeline is a key component of Nigeria’s broader gas master plan aimed at boosting production capacity, improving energy access, and supporting long-term industrialisation goals.