The NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture (JV) operating OML 17 has recorded a major milestone with the successful rigless recompletion of a key non-associated gas well, doubling its output to a peak of 135 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d). The innovative operation—described as the first of its kind in Nigeria—marks a significant step forward in boosting domestic gas supply and strengthening the nation’s energy security.

According to a statement by Chidimma Ugbojiaku, Head Corporate Communications,Heirs Energies, the breakthrough has already translated into improved power generation across Nigeria’s eastern network. TransAfam Power, operated by Transcorp PLC, has quadrupled its electricity output from an average of 50 megawatts to more than 180 megawatts, reaching peaks of 200 megawatts. Other plants on the network, including First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) and Geometric Power, have also seen more consistent operations and increased generation.

Overall, the power plants supplied by the JV have expanded their combined output from about 100 megawatts to more than 350 megawatts—enough electricity to support hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses, reduce blackouts, and sustain hospitals, schools, factories, and critical infrastructure.

The achievement has drawn praise from the Presidency. In a letter to Heirs Energies CEO, Osa Igiehon, the Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Verheijen, commended the team’s accomplishment, describing it as evidence of “the strength of Nigerian engineering expertise and the value of persistent technical innovation.”

She pledged continued support as the company scales up operations to unlock more oil and gas resources that will power households, industries, and commercial activities nationwide.

The well responsible for the output boost had previously been shut due to excessive water production. Instead of drilling a new well or carrying out a conventional workover, Heirs Energies adopted a cost-effective rigless through-tubing recompletion into an untapped reservoir interval. The operation, completed safely and in record time, cost just 15 per cent of what a new well would require, setting a new benchmark for rigless interventions in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

Executive Vice President, Upstream at NNPC Ltd, Udy Ntia, said the intervention reflects NNPC’s commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s gas potential. “This innovative intervention demonstrates NNPC’s strong commitment to unlocking the nation’s gas resources in support of national development. The performance of the NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture shows the power of partnership, disciplined execution, and innovation in driving substantial value for Nigeria,” he noted.

Chief Upstream Investment Officer at NUIMS, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, added that the project aligns with NUIMS’ focus on safe, efficient, and value-driven upstream operations, calling it “a model for the type of innovative solutions required to optimise Nigeria’s hydrocarbon assets.”

Heirs Energies CEO, Osa Igiehon, credited the milestone to the technical ingenuity and resilience of the company’s wholly Nigerian workforce. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s gas-to-power agenda through innovation-led and responsible upstream operations.

“We remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s gas-to-power agenda through innovation-led, responsible, and performance-driven upstream operations,” Igiehon said.

Heirs Energies, one of Africa’s leading indigenous integrated energy companies, continues to prioritize innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development as it expands its contributions to Africa’s evolving energy landscape.