NNPC/Heirs Energies Advance Responsible Gas Commercialisation at OML 17

Nigeria’s drive toward cleaner energy and responsible resource management took a major leap forward today as the NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture formally signed new Gas Flare Commercialisation Agreements. The agreements—executed under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) and additional approved non-NGFCP frameworks—signal a shift from regulatory approvals to real commercial execution.

Turning Flares Into Economic Value

With this milestone, flare gas across OML 17 will now be captured and put to productive use rather than wasted. The gas will support key sectors including:

• Power generation

• Industrial applications

• Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

• Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)

This aligns directly with Nigeria’s national priorities for gas development, energy transition, and reduced environmental impact.

The agreements bring together Heirs Energies—operator of the OML 17 Joint Venture—and newly approved flare gas offtakers: AUT Gas, Twems Energies, Gas & Power Infrastructure Development Limited (GPID), PCCD, and Africa Gas & Transport Company Limited (AGTC).

NNPC: “A Strategic Pathway to National Energy Growth”

Speaking during the ceremony, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, Chief Upstream Investment Officer at NUIMS (representing NNPC Limited), described the milestone as proof of Nigeria’s long-term commitment to gas-based industrialisation.

“Flare gas commercialisation is not just about compliance—it is a strategic pathway to improving energy availability, driving industrialisation, and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a responsible energy producer,”
he stated.

He also commended Heirs Energies for its disciplined execution and continuous leadership within Nigeria’s upstream sector.

NUPRC Reaffirms Support for Decarbonisation Efforts

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), represented on behalf of the Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, FNSE, emphasized that gas flare commercialisation remains a vital part of Nigeria’s decarbonisation strategy under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

“This ceremony reflects Heirs Energies’ commitment to eliminating routine gas flaring across OML 17 and aligns fully with the Commission’s gas flare commercialisation objectives,” the NUPRC representative noted.

Heirs Energies: “Gas Is Central to Nigeria’s Development Journey”

According to Osa Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies, the agreements highlight the company’s strong gas-led growth strategy and its focus on turning brownfield assets into long-term national value.

“Gas sits at the heart of Nigeria’s development journey. By converting waste into value, we’re strengthening domestic energy supply and ensuring responsible operations across OML 17,”
he said.

Strengthening Nigeria’s Energy Transition

The new projects build upon recent progress made by the OML 17 Joint Venture, including:

• Increased gas supply to the domestic market

• Infrastructure optimisation across the asset

• Ongoing social investments in healthcare, education, and skills development within host communities

With the agreements now signed, approved offtakers will move into full project execution in collaboration with regulators, the Joint Venture, and local communities.

A Strong Boost for Nigeria’s Gas-Led Economy

The OML 17 NGFCP initiative reinforces Nigeria’s growing position as a gas-driven economy. Beyond improving energy supply, it supports:

• Domestic power generation

• Industrial development

• Environmental sustainability

• Nation-wide energy transition goals

By transforming routine gas flaring into value-led opportunities, the NNPC/Heirs Energies partnership continues to set a national benchmark for responsible exploration, innovation, and sustainable development.