ABUJA, Nigeria — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has completed the River Niger crossing on the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline, unlocking an additional 2 billion standard cubic feet per day of transmission capacity, the company announced on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
Okay News reports that NNPC Ltd confirmed the development in a statement signed by its Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, describing the milestone as a critical breakthrough for Nigeria’s gas sector.
“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.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said the project demonstrates technical excellence and disciplined execution in delivering complex energy infrastructure. He added that the completion will improve gas supply reliability and support power generation and industrial growth across Nigeria.
The OB3 Gas Pipeline was conceived as part of a plan to build an integrated gas transmission network linking major production regions to demand centres. The project connects the Eastern and Western gas networks and supports the government’s “Gas-to-Prosperity” agenda. It has faced delays over the years due to technical difficulties and complex terrain along its route.
In July 2025, NNPC Ltd completed the River Niger crossing on the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, which spans approximately 614 kilometres and is designed to transport 2.2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day.
The OB3 crossing is expected to significantly improve national gas transportation efficiency and support Nigeria’s goal of increasing gas production to 12 billion standard cubic feet per day by 2030.
