NNPC/Heirs Energies record major gas commercialisation milestone at OML 17

By Ambrose Nnaji

The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture has recorded a major milestone in Nigeria’s gas commercialisation drive with the signing of Gas Flare Commercialisation Agreements under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), alongside approved non-NGFCP frameworks.

The landmark ceremony signals a decisive shift from regulatory approvals to structured commercial execution, paving the way for flare gas volumes across OML 17 to be captured and channelled into productive uses such as power generation, industrial applications, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG). The initiative aligns closely with Nigeria’s gas development priorities and broader energy-transition objectives.

Under the agreements, Heirs Energies, operator of the OML 17 Joint Venture, formalised partnerships with approved flare gas offtakers — AUT Gas, Twems Energies, Gas & Power Infrastructure Development Limited (GPID), PCCD, and Africa Gas & Transport Company Limited (AGTC). The frameworks are designed to eliminate routine gas flaring while transforming previously wasted resources into sustainable economic value.

Speaking at the event, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of the National Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Engr. Seyi Omotowa, who represented NNPC Limited, described the milestone as a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to gas-based development.

“For us at NNPC Limited and NUIMS, flare gas commercialisation is not merely a compliance exercise; it is a strategic pathway to improving energy availability, deepening gas-based industrialisation and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a responsible energy producer,” Omotowa said.

“OML 17 has emerged as a practical model of this vision, moving decisively from approval to delivery.”, he added.

He commended Heirs Energies for what he described as disciplined execution and sustained investment, noting that the joint venture continues to set benchmarks for operational delivery and gas development in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), represented at the ceremony on behalf of its Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, reaffirmed regulatory support for the project. The Commission described flare gas commercialisation as a critical pillar of Nigeria’s decarbonisation pathway under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

According to the NUPRC representative, the agreements demonstrate Heirs Energies’ firm commitment to ending routine gas flaring at OML 17 and fully align with the Commission’s gas flare commercialisation framework, national energy goals and emission-reduction targets.

Heirs Energies Chief Executive Officer, Osa Igiehon, said the agreements reflect the company’s gas-led growth strategy and its focus on brownfield excellence aimed at delivering long-term value for Nigeria.

“Gas sits at the heart of Nigeria’s development journey,” Igiehon said. “Through disciplined investment, strong partnerships with regulators and credible offtakers, and a clear focus on execution, we are converting waste into value, strengthening domestic energy supply and supporting responsible operations across OML 17.”

The NGFCP and non-NGFCP flare gas projects build on recent operational gains recorded by the OML 17 Joint Venture, including a significant increase in gas delivery to the domestic market driven by brownfield interventions and infrastructure optimisation. The JV has also sustained host-community engagement through targeted healthcare initiatives, education support and skills-development programmes in its areas of operation.

With the symbolic signing concluded, flare gas offtakers are expected to move swiftly into full project implementation, working closely with the joint venture, regulators and host communities to deliver measurable commercial, environmental and social benefits.

Overall, the OML 17 NGFCP initiative reinforces Nigeria’s gas-led economic vision, supporting domestic power generation, industrial growth and responsible resource development while advancing the country’s energy-transition and decarbonisation goals.