The NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture has signed flare-gas commercialisation agreements with five firms to cut flaring and expand domestic gas supply.

Heirs Energies’ Chief Executive, Mr Osa Igiehon, said in Lagos on Tuesday that the signing “advances Nigeria’s gas commercialisation and environmental stewardship agenda.”

He said that the deals were concluded under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme and approved non-NGFCP frameworks.

The agreements involve AUT Gas, Twems Energies, Gas and Power Infrastructure Development Ltd., PCCD, and Africa Gas and Transport Company Ltd.

The officials explained that the initiative aims to end routine flaring and use previously wasted gas for productive domestic purposes.

According to Igiehon, the milestone moves the JV “from regulatory approval to full commercial execution,” enabling OML 17 flare gas to support power, industry, LPG and CNG.

He noted that the agreement highlights the JV’s gas-led strategy and long-term value creation for Nigeria.

“Gas sits at the heart of Nigeria’s development journey,” he said, adding that investment and credible partnerships are “converting waste into value.”

The projects, according to him, build on recent improvements, including higher domestic gas deliveries through brownfield enhancements and infrastructure optimisation.

He explained that the JV has strengthened host-community engagement through health, education and skills programmes.

“With today’s symbolic signing, offtakers will now proceed to full project implementation,” he added.

In his remarks, the Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NUIMS, Mr Seyi Omotowa, stated that the milestone shows Nigeria’s commitment to gas-based growth.

“For us, flare-gas commercialisation is not just compliance; it is a strategic pathway to improving energy availability and deepening industrialisation,” he said.

He added that OML 17 “has become a model,” moving swiftly from approval to delivery.

He commended Heirs Energies for “disciplined execution and investment,” noting the JV’s benchmark performance in the upstream gas space.

GIK/APA