Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mary Izuaka
Published on 2024-02-28 09:29:06
The Nigerian government announced on Tuesday that the Obiafu/Obrikom/Oben (OB3) gas pipeline project is set to be completed by March 2024. Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), shared this update during the opening ceremony of the Nigeria International Energy Summit (NIES 2024) held at the presidential banquet hall in Abuja.
According to Mr. Ekpo, the OB3 pipeline, a 42″ 127 km pipeline, will be able to supply 2 billion cubic feet (BCF) of gas daily upon its completion. This pipeline will play a crucial role in providing gas from the Obiafu, Obrikom, and Oben fields to the AKK pipeline, enhancing Nigeria’s gas infrastructure.
Expressing his appreciation for the diligence and proactive efforts of the NNPC Group in ensuring the timely completion of the OB3 pipeline project, Mr. Ekpo highlighted the significance of this pipeline for the AKK pipeline’s feedstock supply. He emphasized the essential role of the OB3 gas pipeline in enhancing energy security and fostering economic development.
The OB3 gas pipeline project, being undertaken by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, was reported to be 80% completed as of December 2016. Initially planned for completion by the end of 2017, the project faced technical challenges, including complex horizontal drilling under major rivers.
In addition to the OB3 pipeline, Mr. Ekpo mentioned the progress made in constructing the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) pipeline, another critical infrastructure project geared towards bolstering Nigeria’s gas sector. He assured that the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for gas sector growth under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Highlighting Nigeria’s vast natural gas reserves and the importance of leveraging them for economic development, job creation, and environmental sustainability, Mr. Ekpo emphasized the country’s transition towards a gas-focused economy. He underscored the need for strategic utilization of gas resources to drive economic growth and reduce dependence on oil revenue.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by Nigeria in its national development journey, Mr. Ekpo stressed the importance of innovation and strategic vision in overcoming these obstacles. He emphasized the collaborative efforts with international partners, financial institutions, and the private sector to secure funding for gas infrastructure development.
In conclusion, Mr. Ekpo reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to utilizing gas as a transition fuel towards sustainable energy sources, aligning with global climate objectives. He emphasized the country’s potential to become a key player in the global energy transition and a regional hub for gas processing and industrialization.
As Nigeria continues its efforts to diversify its economy and strengthen its energy sector, the completion of the OB3 gas pipeline by March 2024 marks a significant milestone towards achieving these goals and enhancing the country’s energy security and economic prospects.
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