Sopuruchi Onwuka

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and Heirs Energies have formalized Gas Flare Commercialization Agreements for OML 17 under both the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Program (NGFCP) and approved Non-NGFCP frameworks.

The agreements moves the project from regulatory approval to commercial execution, allowing flare gas from the asset to be captured and put to productive use, including power generation, industrial supply, LPG and CNG.

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

With the agreements signed, the offtakers will now move into full project implementation, working with the JV, regulators and communities to deliver commercial, environmental and social outcomes.

The goal is to end routine flaring at the asset and turn previously wasted gas into economic value.

Chief Upstream Investment Officer (CUIO), NUIMS, Engr. Seyi Omotowa (r); and Chief Executive Officer, Heirs Energies, Osa Igiehon, during the NGFCP/Non-NGFCP Gas Flare Commercialization Signing Ceremony for OML 17. The event reflects strong JV alignment to transform routine flares into productive gas for power and industrial use in line with NUPRC’s regulatory framework.

Chidimma Ugbojiaku, who leads External and Government Relations at Heirs Energies, described the company as an indigenous, integrated energy business focused on domestic gas development, responsible operations and strong partnerships with host communities.

She said the ceremony marks a significant transition from regulatory approvals to structured commercial execution, enabling 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 agreements bring together Heirs Energies, as operator of the OML 17 Joint Venture, and approved flare gas offtakers under frameworks designed to eliminate routine flaring while converting previously wasted resources into economic value.

“As operator of the OML 17 Joint Venture, the company focuses on brownfield excellence, domestic gas development, responsible operations and strong host-community partnerships,” she explains.

Speaking on behalf of NNPC Limited, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer at the Nigerian Upstrem Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Engr. Seyi Omotowa, said the milestone shows Nigeria’s practical commitment to gas-led growth.

He noted that flare gas commercialization supports energy availability, industrial development and responsible production, adding that OML 17 is becoming a model for disciplined delivery in the upstream sector.

“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 declared.

Omotowa 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.

Also speaking for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Commission Chief Executive, Engr Gbenga Komolafe restated the Commission’s support for projects that bring bankable, environmentally responsible gas-to-market solutions in line with the Petroleum Industry Act.

His remarks were delivered at the event by a Senior Manager at NUPRC, Mr. Ojo Olalekan Ezekiel, who stated that the ceremony reflects Heirs Energies’ commitment to eliminating routine flaring at OML 17 and aligns with national emission-reduction goals.

“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,” the NUPRC stated.

The Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies, Osa Igiehon, said the agreements fit into the company’s broader gas-led strategy.

He explained that the JV is focused on turning waste into value, improving domestic gas supply and sustaining responsible operations through consistent investment and collaboration with regulators and credible offtakers.

“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.

Igiehon stated that 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.

Oracle Intelligence reports that the flare gas projects build on recent progress at OML 17, including higher gas deliveries to the domestic market driven by brownfield upgrades and infrastructure optimization.

According to Chidimma Ugbojiaku, the JV has also strengthened host-community engagement through healthcare, education and skills-development programs.

She added that the OML 17 initiative supports Nigeria’s goal of a gas-driven economy by boosting power generation, enabling industrial growth and advancing the country’s energy-transition agenda.