Heirs Energies: Africa’s Brownfield Champions Transforming Nigeria’s Energy Landscape

Heirs Energies is boldly redefining what is possible within Africa’s oil and gas industry. With a mission “to make a company that is impactful to Nigeria and to Africa,” the company continues to demonstrate resilience, innovation, and excellence across all its operations.

Speaking during the signing ceremony of the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) in Lagos, Osayande Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies and operator of OML 17, declared the company’s commitment to delivering value despite constraints or industry complexities.

“Our ambition is clear, direct, and unequivocal. We have built a company that is not deterred by constraints, paradigms or stories,” he said.

Excellence in Brownfield Operations

Heirs Energies is widely recognized for its strength in brownfield oil development—maximizing value from existing assets before pursuing new opportunities. This unique capability has now been extended to its gas operations.

The company operates a 67-year-old asset, part of Nigeria’s earliest oil-producing fields. Since assuming operatorship five years ago, Heirs has transformed OML 17 from an emblem of industry challenges into one of Africa’s leading onshore assets.

Igiehon explained that the company has:

• Eliminated long-standing operational constraints

• Restored stability and predictability in production

• Built strong relationships with partners, regulators, and host communities

• Repositioned the asset as a national and continental success story

“We have de-risked and dismissed all the issues. What it was before and what it is today are day and night. And this has been achieved by a 100% Nigerian team,” he emphasized.

A Resource Base That Powers Nigeria

Located in Rivers State—stretching from central Port Harcourt northward—Heirs Energies commands a substantial hydrocarbon resource base:

• 1.5 billion barrels of oil

• 2.5 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of gas

• Multiple flow stations and gas plants feeding the domestic market

Heirs Energies supplies all its gas to Nigeria, making it the largest contributor to the Trans-Niger Pipeline and the leading supplier of domestic gas in the eastern region.

A Bold Gas Agenda for Africa

Igiehon described the company’s gas strategy as a mission “to address Africa’s energy base,” beginning with Nigeria.
The strategy is anchored on three core pillars:

1. Grow gas production

2. Eliminate routine flaring

3. Expand the gas value chain

This commitment aligns with the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) initiatives and is amplified by the company’s participation in the NGFCP programme.

Heirs Energies has already signed five major off-take agreements, reinforcing its role in strengthening Nigeria’s energy security.

Record Gas Growth: Doubling Production and Powering the East

When Heirs took over OML 17, gas production stood at 50 mmscf/d. After dealing with initial challenges—particularly theft—the company stabilized oil output and then pivoted aggressively to gas.

2025 became the breakthrough year:

• Gas production surged from 50 mmscf/d to over 120 mmscf/d

• Market supply increased from 30 mmscf/d to 100 mmscf/d

• Eastern Nigeria’s power plants began operating at near full capacity

• Electricity supply in the region improved noticeably

Communities and businesses across the East now feel the impact of reliable gas-to-power flows—achieved without massive capital expenditure, but through innovation and optimized operations.

Driving Shared Prosperity Through Gas Commercialisation

Much of Heirs’ recent growth is tied to its focus on commercialising gas resources responsibly. The company is working closely with off-takers investing in:

• Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

• Gas processing for industrial and power applications

• New distribution pathways to underserved regions

This is part of a larger vision where oil and gas development creates shared prosperity, fueling industries, supporting small businesses, and improving household energy access.

A Catalyst for Industrialization and Community Development

Heirs Energies continues to integrate deeply with its host communities, ensuring that energy development stimulates local economic growth. The company’s operations now support:

• Job creation and skills development

• Stronger local economies

• Industrialization in the Niger Delta

• Enhanced energy and economic security for Nigeria

Igiehon summarised the company’s philosophy:

“We truly believe the business sector must lead investments in Africa—driving commercial success while stimulating social good.”

A Proven African Success Story

With its transformational work on OML 17, elimination of operational bottlenecks, and commitment to advancing Africa’s energy future, Heirs Energies has earned the title:

“Brownfield Champions of Africa.”

Not as a slogan—but as a record of delivery, innovation, and nation-building.