NNPC/Heirs Energies JV Doubles Gas Output
The NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture has delivered an industry-first rigless recompletion of a major non-associated gas well in OML 17.
Chidimma Ugbojiaku of Heirs Energies said in a statement on Wednesday that the intervention doubled gas output to 135 million standard cubic feet per day. She said the increased supply is already strengthening domestic gas availability and supporting the nation’s energy security ambitions.
Ugbojiaku noted that the enhanced output has significantly improved power generation across the eastern electricity network. She said TransAfam Power has quadrupled its generation, rising from about 50 megawatts to more than 180MW, with peaks of 200MW.
“Other plants, including FIPL and Geometric Power, have also achieved more stable operations and higher generation,” she said.
She added that combined output from JV-supplied plants has climbed from roughly 100MW to over 350MW. Ugbojiaku said the improvement is cutting blackouts, supporting hospitals and schools, and enabling continuous operations across industries.
She said Presidential Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen, praised Heirs Energies CEO Osa Igiehon, calling the feat “a testament to Nigerian engineering excellence”. Verheijen also assured the company of continued federal support as it expands its role in unlocking national energy resources.
“The breakthrough well had been shut in due to high water production,” Ugbojiaku explained. She said the JV used a rigless through-tubing recompletion into an untapped reservoir instead of drilling a new well.
According to her, the job was completed safely, ahead of schedule, and at just 15 per cent of the cost of a new well. She said the operation sets a new benchmark for cost-effective and high-impact field development in Nigeria.
NNPC’s Upstream Vice President, Udy Ntia, said the project reflects the company’s commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s gas potential. “The performance of the JV shows how partnership and innovation create substantial value for Nigeria,” he said.
Seyi Omotowa of NUIMS said the work aligns with NUIMS’ drive for safe and efficient upstream operations. “It is a model for the innovative solutions needed to optimise Nigeria’s hydrocarbon assets,” he said.
He added that the JV remains committed to gas-focused, technology-driven projects that boost supply and support economic growth. Heirs Energies CEO, Osa Igiehon, said the milestone highlights the firm’s capability in managing brownfield assets.
“The ingenuity and resilience of our 100 per cent Nigerian workforce made this possible,” he said.
He said the company will continue backing Nigeria’s gas-to-power agenda through innovation-led operations. Heirs Energies reaffirmed its commitment to delivering sustainable energy solutions tailored to Africa’s development needs. MTN Nigeria Sets to Pay Shareholders Interim Dividend
