The NNPC and Heirs Energies Joint Venture has achieved a major milestone in Nigeria’s gas sector after completing an industry-first rigless recompletion of a key non-associated gas well in OML 17, doubling production to 135 million standard cubic feet per day.
In a statement on Wednesday, Chidimma Ugbojiaku of Heirs Energies said the breakthrough intervention has already boosted domestic gas supply and is strengthening Nigeria’s long-term energy security objectives.
She said the improved output has delivered significant gains across the eastern electricity grid. TransAfam Power has increased generation from about 50 megawatts to more than 180MW, with peaks reaching 200MW. Other plants, including FIPL and Geometric Power, have also achieved more stable operations and higher output. Combined generation from plants supplied by the JV has now risen from roughly 100MW to more than 350MW.
According to Ugbojiaku, the enhanced power supply is reducing blackouts, improving services in hospitals and schools, and enabling uninterrupted operations across industries.
Presidential Adviser on Energy, Olu Verheijen, commended Heirs Energies CEO, Osa Igiehon, describing the achievement as “a testament to Nigerian engineering excellence,” and pledged continued federal support for further expansion.
Ugbojiaku explained that the gas well had been inactive for years due to high water production. Instead of drilling a new well, the JV executed a rigless through-tubing recompletion to access an untapped reservoir a move completed safely, ahead of schedule, and at just 15 per cent of the cost of a new well.
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She said the operation sets a new benchmark for cost-effective, high-impact field development in Nigeria.
NNPC’s Upstream Vice President, Udy Ntia, said the success underscores the company’s commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s gas potential. Similarly, Seyi Omotowa of NUIMS noted that the project aligns with NUIMS’ drive for safe, innovative, and efficient upstream operations.
Heirs Energies CEO, Igiehon, attributed the accomplishment to the resilience and skill of the company’s wholly Nigerian workforce, adding that the JV will continue to support Nigeria’s gas-to-power ambitions through technology-driven operations.
He reaffirmed the firm’s commitment to delivering sustainable, reliable energy solutions tailored to Africa’s development needs.
