The NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture (JV) has announced a major breakthrough with the innovative, rigless recompletion of a key non-associated gas well in oil mining lease (OML) 17.
The pioneering intervention, described as the first of its kind in Nigeria, has doubled the JV’s gas output to a peak of 135 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d), delivering a significant boost to domestic gas supply and strengthening the nation’s energy security.
In a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications at Heirs Energies, Chidimma Ugbojiaku, the partners said the significant production increase has transformed power generation across the eastern network.
They said Transcorp Plc’s TransAfam Power, one of Nigeria’s big power generation plants, has quadrupled its output, rising from an average of 50 megawatts to more than 180mw with peaks of 200mw.
According to the statement, other power plants also supplied by the network, including First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) and Geometric Power, have also recorded more stable operations and higher generation.
In total, they noted the power plants now receiving gas from the Joint Venture have seen combined output surge from around 100mw to more than 350mw.
The JV added this increased power generation provides enough energy to power hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses, reducing blackouts, supporting hospitals, and schools, and keeping factories, small enterprises, and critical infrastructure running.
The statement disclosed the operation has already drawn high-level recognition.
In her letter of commendation to the Chief Executive Officer of Hers Energies, Mr. Osa Igiehon, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, stated, “I congratulate the entire Heirs Energies team on this remarkable achievement, which is a testament to the strength of Nigerian engineering expertise and the value of persistent technical innovation.”
She added, “Please be assured of my continued support as you expand your operation across the energy sector, unlocking additional oil and gas resources to power homes, industries and commercial activities nationwide.”
According to the statement, the Well at the centre of this success had previously been shut in due to excessive water production.
Rather than drilling a new well or undertaking a conventional workover, Heirs Energies engineered a rigless through-tubing recompletion into an untapped reservoir interval.
Completed safely in record time, and at just 15 per cent of the cost of drilling a new Well, the JV said the operation sets a new standard for rigless solutions in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Udy Ntia, was quoted in the statement to have said: “This innovative intervention demonstrates NNPC’s strong commitment to unlocking the nation’s gas resources in support of national development.
“The performance of the NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture shows the power of partnership, disciplined execution, and innovation in driving substantial value for Nigeria.”
Chief Upstream Investment Officer of the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Seyi Omotowa, added, “This project reflects NUIMS’ strategic focus on safe, efficient, and value-driven upstream operations. It is a model for the type of innovative solutions required to optimise Nigeria’s hydrocarbon assets.”
The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture continues to advance gas-focused, innovation-driven developments, aiming to expand domestic gas supply, strengthen electricity generation, build local capacity, and support broader economic and industrial growth.
This latest success reinforces the JV’s commitment to delivering energy that powers homes, industries, and national prosperity.
Commenting on the success, Heirs Energies CEO, Igiehon, said: “This milestone is another testament to Heirs Energies’ leading capabilities in managing brownfields.
“The ingenuity, thoroughness, and resilience of our 100% Nigerian workforce made this possible. We remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s gas-to-power agenda through innovation-led, responsible, and performance-driven upstream operations.”
Peter Uzoho
About the Author
