Investigation of Gas Pressure Boosting Requirements for Rural Gas Supply Extension in Niger State

Extending gas supply networks from urban centres to rural communities in inland Nigerian states requires careful engineering analysis of pressure boosting requirements to maintain adequate delivery pressures over long pipeline distances. This study investigates the gas pressure boosting infrastructure requirements for extending domestic and commercial gas supply from Minna to selected rural communities in Niger State, including Suleja, Bida, and Lapai. The research employs a pipeline hydraulic design methodology, using Weymouth and Panhandle flow equations to calculate pressure profiles along proposed pipeline routes under design flow scenarios. The study estimates projected gas demand at each supply community based on household and commercial consumer surveys and population projection data from the National Population Commission. Terrain mapping data are incorporated into the hydraulic model to account for elevation changes along the proposed pipeline routes. Findings indicate that a single intermediate booster compression station located near Lambata would be sufficient to maintain inlet pressures at all proposed supply communities above the minimum service pressure of two bar gauge. The estimated capital cost of the booster station and associated pipeline is assessed against projected gas revenue under a consumer tariff regime consistent with the NMDPRA tariff guidelines. Recommendations include prioritisation of the Minna-Bida extension under the federal government's National Gas Expansion Programme (NGEP) and engagement with Midwest Gas Limited as the designated midstream operator. Keywords: gas pressure boosting, rural gas supply, Niger State, pipeline hydraulics, NGEP.