New agreements with four offtakers under NGFCP and approved non-NGFCP frameworks aim to end routine flaring, expand domestic gas supply, and support power generation and industrial growth.
The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture on Tuesday formalised a series of Gas Flare Commercialisation Agreements under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP), alongside additional, approved non-NGFCP frameworks.
The signing ceremony, held in Lagos, marks a significant shift from regulatory approvals to structured commercial execution. With the new agreements in place, flare gas from OML 17 will now be captured and channelled into productive use, including power generation, industrial applications, LPG supply, and compressed natural gas in line with the nation’s gas development priorities and energy-transition ambitions.
The arrangements bring together Heirs Energies, operator of the OML 17 JV, and the selected flare gas offtakers: AUT Gas, Twems Energies, Gas & Power Infrastructure Development Limited (PCCD) and Africa Gas & Transport Company Limited. The frameworks are designed to eliminate routine gas flaring, turning what was once wasted energy into meaningful economic value.
Speaking at the event, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, Seyi Omotowa, who represented NNPC Limited, described the milestone as a practical demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to a gas-driven future.
“For us at NNPC Limited and NUIMS, flare gas commercialisation is not just a compliance requirement; it is a strategic pathway to improving energy availability, deepening gas-based industrialisation and strengthening Nigeria’s position as a responsible energy producer. OML 17 has become a practical model of this vision, moving decisively from approval to delivery,” Omotowa said.
He praised Heirs Energies for what he described as disciplined execution and sustained investment, adding that the joint venture continues to set industry benchmarks for operational performance and gas development in Nigeria’s upstream sector.
On his part, Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Gbenga Komolafe, represented by NUPRC Senior Manager, Ojo Olalekan, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to enabling flare gas commercialisation projects and ensuring that operators and offtakers have the support needed to deliver bankable, environmentally responsible gas-to-market solutions aligned with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
“This ceremony demonstrates Heirs Energies’ commitment to eliminating routine gas flaring across OML 17 and aligns fully with the Commission’s Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme and national energy and emission-reduction objectives,” he said.
Heirs Energies CEO, Osa Igiehon, noted that the agreements reflect the company’s broader gas-led development strategy and its brownfield excellence approach, both aimed at delivering long-term value for Nigeria.
“Gas sits at the heart of Nigeria’s development journey. Through disciplined investment, partnership with regulators and credible offtakers, and a clear execution focus, we are converting waste into value, strengthening domestic energy supply and supporting responsible operations across OML 17,” he stated.
Igiehon added that both the NGFCP and non-NGFCP projects build on recent operational gains by the OML 17 Joint Venture, including a notable increase in gas supply to the domestic market, driven by infrastructure optimisation and targeted brownfield interventions.
He also highlighted the JV’s sustained investments in host communities through healthcare programmes, educational support, and skills development initiatives.
With the signing complete, the flare gas offtakers are expected to move swiftly into full project execution, working closely with the joint venture, regulators, and host communities to deliver commercial, environmental and social benefits.
According to Heirs Energies, the OML 17 NGFCP initiative strengthens Nigeria’s position as a gas-led economy, boosting domestic power generation, supporting industrial expansion, and advancing the country’s energy-transition objectives.
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