The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced major progress on two of Nigeria’s key gas infrastructure projects, saying the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) pipeline is ready for first gas, while the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline has reached 95 per cent completion.
According to NNPC’s July 2026 monthly report, pre-commissioning activities on the OB3 River Niger Crossing were completed in August, bringing the project to 100 per cent completion and clearing a major hurdle ahead of first gas. The company also said construction and installation work on the AKK pipeline was at an advanced stage, with early gas expected to reach Abuja before the end of 2026.
The development is significant for Nigeria’s energy sector as both projects are designed to strengthen the country’s gas transportation network. The 130-kilometre OB3 pipeline will connect gas supplies between the eastern and western parts of Nigeria and has a designed capacity of up to 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day. NNPC said its completion could unlock more than 500 million standard cubic feet per day of additional gas for the domestic market, supporting electricity generation, manufacturing and other industries.
The OB3 project crossed a major engineering hurdle earlier this year when NNPC completed the long-awaited River Niger crossing. The operation involved drilling about two kilometres beneath the river using horizontal directional drilling technology. NNPC said the milestone effectively activates the pipeline’s full capacity and could help improve gas supply reliability across the country.
Started in 2016 at an estimated cost of $700 million, the OB3 pipeline has faced several delays and missed completion deadlines. However, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, said the project remains central to Nigeria’s plan to build a more integrated and resilient gas network. The company also linked the development to the Federal Government’s wider energy ambitions of raising crude oil production to 3 million barrels per day and gas output to 12 billion standard cubic feet per day by 2030.
source: punch
