During a recent meeting with the Senate Committee on Gas, led by Senator Agom Jarigbe, Ekperikpe Ekpo, the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), shared significant insights into the ongoing gas-based projects in Nigeria, including the highly crucial OB3 gas project.
Ekpo revealed that the OB3 gas project is on track to be finalized by December 2023.
Emphasizing the project’s importance, Ekpo stated, “We have to increase gas production, and one of the most important aspects of the gas for distribution is the OB3 project, which will enable the taking up of gas from the South-South part of the country up to the West and the North. It was a good experience to meet with the contractors and obtain commitment on when they will complete the project. They assured me that by December this year, they will complete the project.”
The OB3 pipeline plays a pivotal role as it serves as a crucial link to the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) gas pipeline, a vital component of Nigeria’s gas infrastructure. The government is committed to ensuring the timely completion of key gas projects as part of its energy strategy to facilitate a smooth transition to natural gas.
Ekpo also highlighted the potential impact of these gas projects, with an estimated 3.7 billion standard cubic feet (scf) of gas expected to be injected into the system upon completion. Additionally, the government aims to educate the Nigerian populace about gas usage, promoting it as a cleaner alternative to biomass, which is a significant source of carbon emissions.
Ekpo pointed out Nigeria’s substantial untapped gas reserves, including proven reserves of 208 trillion cubic feet (tcf) and an additional potential of 600 tcf in deepwater and shallow water areas. However, unlocking these reserves will necessitate substantial investment and resource generation.
Ekpo encouraged collaborative efforts and stressed the importance of teamwork in advancing the gas industry in Nigeria, aligning with the nation’s broader objectives to diversify its energy sources and transition towards cleaner fuels.
It is worth noting that the OB3 gas pipeline project, a 127 km, 48-inch gas pipeline, stands as one of the most substantial gas transmission pipelines in Nigeria and across Africa in terms of pipe size.
Alongside a Gas Treatment Plant (GTP) with a capacity to produce 2 billion standard cubic feet of gas per day (2bscf/d), this facility extends from the Obiafu-Obrikom gas plant near Omuku, Rivers State, to Oben, Edo State.
Originally slated for completion in the second quarter of 2019, the project faced multiple delays, including adverse weather conditions, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and changes in contracting agreements, collectively leading to its prolonged delay over nearly eight years.
