The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture (JV) has announced an additional 135 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d) of gas supply, significantly strengthening Nigeria’s energy security.

The boost was achieved through a pioneering rigless recompletion of a key non-associated gas well in OML 17—the first of its kind in the country—which doubled the JV’s gas output. Previously, the well had been shut in due to excessive water production. Instead of drilling a new well, Heirs Energies engineered a rigless, through-tubing recompletion into an untapped reservoir, completing the operation safely, in record time, and at just 15% of the cost of drilling a new well.

According to Chidimma Ugbojiaku, Head of Corporate Communications at Heirs Energies, the increased gas supply has transformed power generation across the eastern network. Transcorp PLC – TransAfam Power, for example, increased output from an average of 50 megawatts to over 180 megawatts, with peaks of 200 megawatts. Other plants, including First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) and Geometric Power, also reported more stable operations. Overall, combined output from JV-supplied power plants surged from around 100 megawatts to over 350 megawatts, supplying energy to hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses.

Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, commended the achievement, praising Nigerian engineering expertise and technical innovation. Heirs Energies CEO Osa Igiehon highlighted the milestone as proof of the company’s leadership in managing brownfield projects and supporting Nigeria’s gas-to-power agenda.

NNPC’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy Ntia, emphasized that the JV’s performance demonstrates the value of partnership, disciplined execution, and innovation in driving national development. Similarly, NUIMS Chief Upstream Investment Officer, Seyi Omotowa, described the project as a model for safe, efficient, and value-driven upstream operations.

The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 JV continues to focus on expanding domestic gas supply, strengthening electricity generation, building local capacity, and supporting broader economic growth. Heirs Energies Limited, Africa’s leading indigenous-owned integrated energy company, remains committed to innovation, environmental responsibility, and sustainable energy solutions across the continent.