The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture (JV) has achieved a major breakthrough with the innovative rigless completion of a key non-associated gas well in OML 17. This pioneering intervention, the first of its kind in Nigeria, has doubled the JV’s gas output to a peak of 135 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d), delivering a significant boost to domestic gas supply and strengthening the nation’s energy security.
In a statement made available by the Head of Corporate Communications, Heirs Energies, Chidimma Ugbojiaku, the company said the significant production increase has transformed power generation across the Eastern network.
For instance, Transcorp PLC’s Trans Afam Power, one of Nigeria’s leading power generation plants, has quadrupled its output from an average of 50 megawatts to more than 180 megawatts, with a peak of 200 megawatts. Other power plants supplied by the network, including First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) and Geometric Power, have also recorded more stable operations and higher power generation.
The statement explained that the power plants now receiving gas from the joint venture have seen their combined output surge from about 100 megawatts to more than 350 megawatts. This increased power generation has helped provide enough energy to power hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses, reducing blackouts, supporting hospitals and schools, and keeping factories, small enterprises, and critical infrastructure running.
In recognition of this feat, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, congratulated the CEO of Heirs Energies, Osa Igiehon, and the entire Heirs Energies team. She described the achievement as a testament to the strength of Nigerian engineering expertise and the value of persistent technical innovation. She added, “Please be assured of my continued support as you expand your operations across the energy sector, unlocking additional oil and gas resources to power homes, industries, and commercial activities nationwide.”
Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd., Udy Ntia, noted that the innovative intervention demonstrates NNPC’s strong commitment to unlocking the nation’s gas resources in support of national development. In his words, “The performance of the NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture shows the power of partnership, disciplined execution, and innovation in driving sustained value for Nigeria.”
Engr. Seyi Omotowa, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer, NUIMS, stated that the project reflects NUIMS’ strategic focus on safe, efficient, and value-driven upstream operations, describing it as a model for the type of innovative solutions required to optimise Nigeria’s hydrocarbon assets. This latest success, he said, reinforces the Joint Venture’s commitment to delivering energy that powers homes, industries, and national prosperity.
Osa Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies, described the milestone as a testament to the company’s leading capabilities in managing brownfields. He said, “The ingenuity, thoroughness, and resilience of our 100% Nigerian workforce made this possible. We remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s gas-to-power agenda through innovation-led, responsible, and performance-driven upstream operations.”
The well at the centre of this historic success had been shut in due to excessive water production. Rather than drill a new well or undertake a conventional workover, Heirs Energies engineered a rigless through-tubing recompletion into an untapped reservoir interval. Completed safely in record time and at just 15% of the cost of drilling a new well, the operation sets a new standard for rigless solutions in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
Heirs Energies Limited is one of Africa’s leading indigenous, integrated energy companies, committed to meeting the continent’s unique energy needs while aligning with global sustainability goals. With a strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, Heirs Energies continues to lead in the evolving energy landscape and contribute to a more prosperous Africa.
