By Ayomide Otitoju
The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture has become the first operator to commence agreement signing and structured commercial execution under Nigeria’s Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) and approved non-NGFCP frameworks. The milestone enables flare-gas volumes across OML 17 to be captured for power generation, industrial applications, LPG, and CNG.
The signing ceremony, held in Lagos, was attended by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), NNPC/NUIMS, and five approved gas-offtake firms. The agreements unite Heirs Energies with AUT Gas, Twems Energies, Gas & Power Infrastructure Development Limited (GPID), PCCD, and Africa Gas & Transport Company Limited (AGTC) under frameworks designed to eliminate routine flaring while converting previously wasted resources into economic value.
Engr. Seyi Omotowa, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NUIMS, described the milestone as a demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to gas-based development. “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,” he said.
Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, NUPRC Chief Executive, reaffirmed the commission’s support, calling flare-gas commercialisation a cornerstone of Nigeria’s decarbonisation under the Petroleum Industry Act 2021.
Osa Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies, said the agreements reflect the company’s gas-led strategy and brownfield excellence approach. “Through disciplined investment, partnership with regulators and credible offtakers, we are converting waste into value, strengthening domestic energy supply, and supporting responsible operations across OML 17,” he stated.
The OML 17 flare-gas initiative builds on recent operational progress, including increased gas delivery to the domestic market and infrastructure optimisation. The project also reinforces host-community partnerships through healthcare, education, and skills-development programmes, advancing Nigeria’s energy-transition goals and supporting a gas-led economy.
