By Izuchukwu Mayor, Lagos
The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture (JV), today, advanced Nigeria’s gas commercialisation and environmental stewardship agenda with the symbolic signing of Gas Flare Commercialisation Agreements.
This comes under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) and approved Non-NGFCP frameworks.
According to the Manager, External & Government Relations, Heirs Energies Ltd. Chidimma Ugbojiaku, the ceremony marks a significant transition from regulatory approvals to structured commercial execution.
This, she said, enables flare gas volumes across OML 17 to be captured and deployed for productive use, including power generation, industrial applications, LPG and CNG, in alignment with Nigeria’s gas development priorities and energy-transition objectives.
The agreement signing brought together Heirs Energies, as operator of the OML 17 JV, and approved flare gas offtakers – AUT Gas; Twems Energies; Gas & Power Infrastructure Development Limited (GPID); PCCD; and Africa Gas & Transport Company Limited (AGTC)
The frameworks of the agreement are designed to eliminate routine flaring while converting previously wasted resources into economic value.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NUIMS, Seyi Omotowa, representing the NNPC Limited, described the milestone as a practical demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to gas-based development.
He said: “For us at NNPC Limited and NUIMS, flare gas commercialisation is not 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.
“OML 17 has become a practical model of this vision, moving decisively from approval to delivery.”
He also commended Heirs Energies for disciplined execution and investment, noting that the JV continues to set benchmarks for operational delivery and gas development within Nigeria’s upstream sector.
Through disciplined investment, partnership with regulators and credible offtakers, and a clear execution focus, we are converting waste into value, strengthening domestic energy supply and supporting responsible operations across OML 17.
Regulatory support
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), represented by a Senior Manager, Ojo Ezekiel, on behalf of the Commission Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the implementation of flare gas commercialisation projects.
He added that NUPRC will ensure that operators and offtakers are enabled to deliver bankable, environmentally responsible gas-to-market solutions in line with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
“This ceremony demonstrates Heirs Energies’ commitment to eliminating routine gas flaring across OML 17 and aligns fully with the Commission’s Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme and national energy and emission-reduction objectives,” he said.
Heirs Energies’ Chief Executive Officer, Osa Igiehon, on his part, noted that the agreements reflect the company’s broader gas-led strategy and brownfield excellence approach, focused on creating long-term value for Nigeria.
“Gas sits at the heart of Nigeria’s development journey. Through disciplined investment, partnership with regulators and credible offtakers, and a clear execution focus, we are converting waste into value, strengthening domestic energy supply and supporting responsible operations across OML 17,” he said.
The NGFCP and Non-NGFCP flare gas projects build on recent operational progress by the OML 17 Joint Venture, including a significant increase in gas delivery to the domestic market through brownfield interventions and infrastructure optimisation. The JV has also continued to deepen its host-community partnerships through targeted healthcare interventions, education support and skills-development programmes across its areas of operation.
With the symbolic signing completed, the flare gas offtakers are expected to progress into full project implementation, working closely with the JV, regulators and communities to deliver commercial, environmental and social outcomes.
The OML 17 NGFCP initiative reinforces Nigeria’s position as a gas-led economy, supporting domestic power generation, industrial growth and responsible resource development while advancing the country’s energy-transition objectives.
About Heirs Energies
Heirs Energies Limited is an indigenous, integrated energy company committed to meeting Africa’s energy needs responsibly. As operator of the OML 17 Joint Venture, the company focuses on brownfield excellence, domestic gas development, responsible operations and strong host-community partnerships.
