The NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture (JV) has taken a major step forward in Nigeria’s gas commercialisation and environmental sustainability agenda with the official signing of Gas Flare Commercialisation Agreements under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) and approved non-NGFCP frameworks.

The ceremony, held yesterday in Lagos, marks a shift from regulatory approval to full commercial execution. With this milestone, flare gas volumes from OML 17 will now be harnessed and channelled into productive uses such as power generation, industrial applications, LPG, and CNG production, aligning with Nigeria’s broader gas development and energy-transition goals.

The agreements were signed between Heirs Energies, 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 are designed to eradicate routine flaring while transforming previously wasted gas into economic assets.

Representing NNPC Limited, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), described the initiative as a tangible demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to gas-led development.

“For NNPC Limited and NUIMS, flare gas commercialisation is not merely a regulatory requirement; it is a strategic pathway to increasing energy supply, deepening gas-driven industrialisation, and reinforcing Nigeria’s image as a responsible energy producer. OML 17 is a model of this vision—moving decisively from approval to actual delivery,” Omotowa said.

He commended Heirs Energies for consistent execution and investment, noting that the JV continues to set performance benchmarks across Nigeria’s upstream gas development space.

Also speaking, the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, represented by Senior Manager Ojo Ezekiel, reaffirmed the Commission’s support. He emphasised that flare gas commercialisation remains a core pillar of Nigeria’s decarbonisation and energy-transition strategy under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.

“This ceremony reflects Heirs Energies’ strong commitment to ending routine flaring in OML 17 and fully aligns with national gas utilisation and emissions-reduction priorities,” Ezekiel noted.

Heirs Energies CEO, Osa Igiehon, stated that the agreements embody the company’s gas-led strategy and brownfield excellence model, aimed at delivering long-term value for Nigeria.

“Gas is central to Nigeria’s economic future. Through disciplined investment, regulatory collaboration, and partnerships with credible offtakers, we are transforming waste into value, enhancing domestic energy supply, and strengthening responsible operations across OML 17,” he said.

These NGFCP and non-NGFCP projects build on the JV’s recent achievements, including increased domestic gas delivery through brownfield optimisation and enhanced infrastructure performance. The JV has also continued to expand its host-community development initiatives, providing healthcare support, educational interventions and skills training across its operational areas.

With the endorsement of these agreements, flare gas offtakers will now move into full implementation, working in close collaboration with the JV, regulators and host communities to deliver environmental, commercial and social benefits.

The OML 17 NGFCP initiative further reinforces Nigeria’s position as a gas-driven economy—supporting domestic power generation, industrial expansion and sustainable resource development as the country advances toward a low-carbon energy future.