The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) is nearing completion of the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline project, which aims to enhance the nation’s gas supply for industrial growth. NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Mele Kyari confirmed the progress during an inspection tour in Aboh, Delta State, on Saturday.
The OB3 Gas pipeline will connect the Eastern gas pipeline network to the Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS) in the West and the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Pipeline in the North. The River Niger Crossing has been a major obstacle, delaying the project for over three years. However, the new contractors, Messrs. HDD Thailand/Enikkom and Tunnelling Services Group (TSG), have successfully adopted Micro-Tunnelling/Direct Pipe Installation technology, completing 860 meters of the 1,800-meter crossing.
Kyari expressed his optimism about the project’s completion. “This is a major project of monumental value to our country. What this means is that this is the only way we can deliver the gas revolution. I am very happy and convinced that, latest by the middle of August, we will complete this project,” he said.
Upon completion, the pipeline is expected to deliver 2.2 billion standard cubic feet of gas into the network, addressing the country’s gas demand. “We believe that this will give our country a breathing space of demand…this will give us the platform to unleash the gas revolution in our country,” Kyari added.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Ekperikpe Ekpo, expressed satisfaction with the project’s progress, describing it as “Renewed Hope at work.”
He noted, “From what I can see, I am confident that by July or August it will be completed, and it will be commissioned by the President.”
Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, also expressed anticipation for the project’s completion, highlighting its potential to bring prosperity through improved electricity and other benefits.
The Managing Director of Tunnel Service Group (TSG), Mr. Ingo Justen, overseeing the project, assured that the current technology would lead to its swift conclusion. Additionally, the Managing Director of NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), Engr. Seyi Omotowa, confirmed that the River Niger Crossing operation is on schedule for completion.
NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, emphasized the project’s significance in driving Nigeria’s gas revolution and economic growth.