By Silverline Ifeanyi Onyeabor
The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture has taken a major step in Nigeria’s drive to end routine gas flaring and deepen gas-based economic development with the symbolic signing of Gas Flare Commercialisation Agreements under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme (NGFCP) and approved Non-NGFCP frameworks.
The signing ceremony marked a transition from regulatory approvals to structured commercial execution, paving the way for flare gas volumes across OML 17 to be captured and deployed for productive use. The gas is expected to support power generation, industrial applications, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), in line with Nigeria’s gas development priorities and energy-transition objectives.
Under the agreements, Heirs Energies, operator of the OML 17 Joint Venture, partnered with 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 eliminate routine flaring while converting previously wasted gas into economic value.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of the National Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), Engr. Seyi Omotowa, who represented NNPC Limited, described the milestone as a practical demonstration of Nigeria’s commitment to gas-led development.
According to him, flare gas commercialisation goes beyond regulatory compliance, serving as a strategic pathway to improving energy availability, deepening gas-based industrialisation and strengthening Nigeria’s standing as a responsible energy producer. He noted that OML 17 has emerged as a practical model by moving decisively from approvals to delivery, while commending Heirs Energies for disciplined execution and investment.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), represented on behalf of its Commission Chief Executive, Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, FNSE, reaffirmed regulatory support for the project. The Commission described flare gas commercialisation as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s decarbonisation pathway under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) 2021.
The NUPRC said the ceremony underscores Heirs Energies’ commitment to eliminating routine gas flaring across OML 17 and aligns fully with national gas commercialisation, energy and emission-reduction objectives.
Heirs Energies Chief Executive Officer, Osa Igiehon, said the agreements reflect the company’s gas-led strategy and brownfield excellence approach, aimed at delivering long-term value for Nigeria.
He noted that through disciplined investment, strong partnerships with regulators and credible offtakers, the company is converting waste into value, strengthening domestic energy supply and supporting responsible operations across OML 17.
The NGFCP and Non-NGFCP projects build on recent operational gains by the OML 17 Joint Venture, including increased gas delivery to the domestic market through brownfield interventions and infrastructure optimisation. The JV has also sustained host-community engagement through healthcare initiatives, education support and skills-development programmes in its areas of operation.
With the symbolic signing concluded, flare gas offtakers are expected to move into full project implementation, working closely with the Joint Venture, regulators and host communities to deliver commercial, environmental and social benefits.
The OML 17 NGFCP initiative further reinforces Nigeria’s ambition to position gas as a transition fuel, supporting domestic power generation, industrial growth and responsible resource development.
