OB3 Gas Pipeline project to be completed in March 2024-Minister
The Federal Government has set March 2024 for the completion of the Obiafu/Obrikom/Oben (OB3) gas pipeline.
The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Ekperikpe Ekpo, who gave this assurance in his address during the opening ceremony of the 7th edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2024) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja on Tuesday said the projected completion timeline was in alignment with the estimates provided by Oilserv Limited.
He said the pipeline is expected to deliver 2 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day from the Obiafu, Obrikom, and Oben fields to the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline.
Said the minister “another milestone in our journey towards a gas-focused economy is the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline. I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made in the construction of this critical infrastructure project, and we are on track to ensure its completion and commissioning as scheduled.
“The Obiafu/Obrikom/Oben (OB3) is a vital piece of gas infrastructure for the supply of feedstock to the AKK pipeline. This pipeline is among the biggest gas transmission systems in both Nigeria and Africa. I am highly elated to announce that going by the Contractor estimates, the OB3 pipeline will be completed by March 2024 and the 42″ 127 km pipeline will supply 2BCF per day.
“ Upon completion, this pipeline is intended to supply the AKK pipeline with gas from the three fields of Obiafu, Obrikom, and Oben. I will like to use this opportunity to appreciate the resilience of the NNPCL Group for their steadfastness and proactive approach into ensuring a timely completion of the OB–3 pipeline project.
“The President Bola Tinubu administration is fully committed to creating an enabling environment for the growth of the gas sector. The administration is actively implementing policies and regulatory frameworks that encourage investment, promote innovation, and ensure sustainability.
“The private sector is welcome onboard. Together, we can transform our abundant natural gas resources into a driving force for economic development and ensure that Nigeria emerges as a key player in the global energy landscape.
“Finally, the gas sector is not merely a component but a cornerstone in navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the new energy world order. Let us leverage our rich gas resources to enhance energy security, facilitate a seamless transition, and attract the necessary finance to propel Nigeria into a sustainable and prosperous energy future.”
Recall that Ekpo had during a Senate Committee on Gas meeting led by Senator Agom Jarigbe, assured that the contractors were dedicated towards fulfilling their promise before the end of 2023.
The Minister of State Gas Resources then lauded the progress made in erecting crucial gas infrastructure projects nationwide, emphasising the significance of the development in advancing Nigeria’s economy.
While expressing confidence in the government’s commitment to ensuring the timely completion and successful commissioning of these transformative initiatives, Ekpo also extended commendations to the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited Group for their unwavering dedication and proactive efforts in driving forward the OB3 pipeline project to its imminent completion.
The OB3 gas pipeline project, is a major pipeline project spanning 127 km with a 48-inch diameter, stretching from the Obiafu-Obrikom gas plant near Omuku, Rivers State, to Oben, Edo State.
