NNPC/Heirs Energies Doubles OML 17 Gas Output to 135MMscf/d in Landmark Rigless Well Recompletion

• Transcorp’s TransAfam, Geometric, Fipl Record Significant Increase in Power Output

 

The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture has recorded a major operational breakthrough following the successful rigless recompletion of a non-associated gas well in OML 17—an intervention industry observers describe as the first of its kind in Nigeria’s upstream sector.

The innovative procedure has doubled the JV’s gas output to a new peak of 135 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscf/d), significantly increasing gas supply to the domestic market and strengthening Nigeria’s energy security ambitions.

The impact on power generation has been immediate and far-reaching.

Transcorp PLC’s TransAfam Power plant, one of the country’s major electricity producers, has reported a dramatic improvement in output—from an average of 50 megawatts to over 180 megawatts, with peak generation reaching 200 megawatts.

Other power plants receiving gas from the same network, including First Independent Power Limited (FIPL) and Geometric Power, have also recorded more stable operations and increased capacity.

Combined generation from the connected plants has jumped from roughly 100 megawatts to more than 350 megawatts—enough electricity to power hundreds of thousands of homes, businesses, hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure across the region.

The well involved in the operation had been previously shut in due to excessive water production. Engineers from Heirs Energies opted against drilling a new well or performing a costly workover. Instead, they deployed a rigless, through-tubing recompletion into an untapped reservoir interval—a solution completed safely, in record time, and at just 15% of the cost of drilling a new well.

Industry experts say the milestone sets a new benchmark for cost-efficient, technology-driven developments in Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas sector.

The achievement has received strong commendation from the Presidency. In a letter to Heirs Energies CEO Osa Igiehon, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, praised the outcome as “a testament to the strength of Nigerian engineering expertise and the value of persistent technical innovation.”

She affirmed her office’s continued support for efforts to unlock more domestic oil and gas resources for national development.

Reacting to the development, Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd., described the intervention as a demonstration of the national oil company’s commitment to unlocking Nigeria’s gas potential for economic growth.

“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,” he said.

Similarly, Engr. Seyi Omotowa, Chief Upstream Investment Officer at NUIMS, noted that the project aligns with NUIMS’ strategy of promoting safe, efficient, and value-driven upstream operations, positioning it as a model for future developments.

Commenting on the milestone, Heirs Energies CEO Osa Igiehon described the achievement as proof of the company’s technical depth and the capability of its fully Nigerian workforce.

“This milestone is another testament to Heirs Energies’ leading capabilities in managing brownfields. The ingenuity and resilience of our 100% Nigerian team made this possible,” he said.

“We remain committed to supporting Nigeria’s gas-to-power agenda through innovation-led and responsible upstream operations.”

The Joint Venture says the success reinforces its long-term strategy to expand domestic gas supply, enhance electricity generation, build Nigerian technical capacity, and contribute to broader economic and industrial growth.