In a significant stride towards industrialisation and economic growth, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced the anticipated completion of the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) Gas Pipeline by August this year. This milestone project has faced a series of delays primarily due to challenges with the River Niger Crossing operations.
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Overcoming Challenges
The OB3 Gas Pipeline project, crucial for linking 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, has been under construction for several years. The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mele Kyari, recently inspected the site in Delta State and confirmed the project’s nearing 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. I have been assured of that by the project team,” Kyari stated.
The River Niger Crossing, a critical segment of the project, faced significant setbacks due to various technological failures in constructing the 48-inch pipe under the river bed between Ndoni in Rivers State and Aboh in Delta State. The delay, spanning over three years, was finally addressed with the adoption of the Micro-Tunnelling/Direct Pipe Installation technology by contractors Messrs HDD Thailand/Enikkom and Tunnelling Services Group (TSG). So far, about 860 meters out of the required 1,800 meters have been completed.
Impact on Nigeria’s Gas Supply
Upon completion, the OB3 Gas Pipeline is expected to transport approximately 2.2 billion standard cubic feet of gas into Nigeria’s network, significantly enhancing the country’s gas supply capacity. This expansion is projected to meet the burgeoning demand for gas, vital for both domestic consumption and industrial use.
“We believe that this will give our country a breathing space of demand, I am sure we can catch up with that kind of demand in the next one and half years. We are happy that this will give us the platform to unleash the gas revolution in our country,” Kyari added.
Government and Industry Reactions
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, expressed satisfaction with the progress at the River Niger Crossing operation, describing it as a testament to the government’s commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s gas infrastructure.
“I was here last year and I saw the work that was going on. There was a promise that it would be completed by December last year. I took it with a doubt. But today, 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,” Ekpo stated.
Seyi Omotowa, Managing Director of NNPC Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC), echoed this optimism, assuring that the remaining work on the River Niger Crossing will be completed on schedule, thanks to the new technology deployed.
Strategic Importance
The OB3 Gas Pipeline is not only a critical component of Nigeria’s gas infrastructure but also a pivotal project for the country’s broader economic ambitions. By facilitating the movement of gas from production sites to demand centers, the pipeline will play a vital role in supporting industrial activities, power generation, and overall economic stability.
The successful completion of the OB3 Gas Pipeline underscores the NNPC’s dedication to advancing Nigeria’s energy sector and its commitment to overcoming challenges through innovative solutions and persistent efforts.
Conclusion
The imminent completion of the OB3 Gas Pipeline marks a significant achievement for Nigeria’s energy infrastructure. It promises to bolster the country’s gas supply, support industrial growth, and drive economic development. As Nigeria continues to harness its gas resources, projects like the OB3 Pipeline are essential in positioning the nation as a key player in the global energy market.
For more information, read the full article on Leadership News.
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