TheCable

The federal government says the Obiafu-Obrikom-Oben (OB3) gas pipeline will be completed in March 2024.

Ekperikpe Ekpo, minister of state for petroleum resources (gas), spoke at the official opening of the 7th edition of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2024) on Tuesday in Abuja.

The pipeline runs from the Obiafu-Obrikom gas plant near Omoku, Rivers state, to Oben in Edo state.

The project — initially slated for completion by the end of 2017 — had been delayed due to technical challenges, including horizontal drilling under major rivers.

Announcing the new completion deadline at the event, Ekpo said the “127 km pipeline would supply two billion cubic feet (2BCF) of gas daily”.

“Upon completion, this pipeline will provide the AKK pipeline with gas from the three fields of Obiafu, Obrikom, and Oben,” he said.

“I want to use this opportunity to appreciate the resilience of the NNPC Ltd. Group for their steadfastness and proactive approach to ensuring the timely completion of the OB3 pipeline project.

“The OB3 gas pipeline is a vital piece of gas infrastructure for the supply of feedstock to the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline, another milestone in our journey towards a gas-focused economy.

“OB3 is a construction phase natural gas pipeline, running from the Obiafu-Obrikom gas plant to the Oben node in Nigeria.

“I am pleased to report that significant progress has been made in constructing this critical infrastructure project, and we are on track to ensure its completion and inauguration as scheduled.”

Ekpo said the pipeline is one of the largest gas transmission lines in Nigeria and Africa, adding that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is fully dedicated to fostering an environment that could enable the growth of the sector.

The minister said the administration has put policies and regulatory frameworks in place to encourage investment, promote innovation, and ensure sustainability.

‘IT IS ESSENTIAL TO UTILISE NIGERIA’S NATURAL GAS RESERVES’

Furthermore, he said the gas industry, with proven gas reserves of more than 208 trillion cubic feet (TCF) and more exploration potential, is crucial for enhancing energy security.

“Nigeria is currently facing challenges as it continues the journey of national development. These challenges also present a unique opportunity to seize the moment and define the future,” the minister said.

“The nation is rich in natural gas reserves. It is now essential to strategically utilise these resources to drive economic development, job creation, poverty eradication and environmental sustainability.

“As we are all aware, over dependence on oil revenue poses significant economic risks for our nation.”

Ekpo said Nigeria has faced several challenges in spite of efforts to diversify the economy away from oil.

According to the minister, maximising the nation’s gas resources would require attracting both foreign and domestic investment.