The NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture has achieved a major technical breakthrough through Nigeria’s first rigless recompletion of a key non-associated gas well in OML 17, doubling output to 135 million standard cubic feet per day and boosting domestic gas supply.
Okay News reports that the intervention marks a significant advancement for Nigeria’s upstream sector, delivering increased gas volumes that are already stabilising power generation across the eastern electricity network.
The innovative recompletion has triggered a surge in power output in the region. TransAfam Power, operated by Transcorp PLC, has recorded an increase from about 50 megawatts to more than 180 megawatts, with peaks of 200 megawatts. Other plants on the same network, including First Independent Power Limited and Geometric Power, have also reported steadier operations and higher generation levels.
Overall, the power plants now receiving gas from the Joint Venture have seen combined output rise from roughly 100 megawatts to more than 350 megawatts—enough to support hospitals, schools, factories, small businesses, and critical public infrastructure across several states.
High-level commendations followed the successful operation. The Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen, described the achievement as proof of Nigeria’s growing engineering capabilities and encouraged the Joint Venture to continue expanding its role in the country’s energy transition and gas-to-power agenda.
The well involved in the operation had been previously shut in due to excessive water production. Instead of drilling a new well, Heirs Energies executed a rigless through-tubing recompletion into an untapped reservoir interval. The project was completed safely, in record time, and at only 15% of the cost of drilling a new well—setting a new benchmark for innovation-driven upstream operations in Nigeria.
Leaders across NNPC, NUIMS, and Heirs Energies noted that the milestone showcases disciplined execution, cost efficiency, and the value of partnerships in unlocking Nigeria’s hydrocarbon potential.
The NNPC/Heirs Energies Joint Venture plans to scale further gas-focused developments aimed at strengthening national energy security, expanding domestic supply, building local capacity, and supporting broader economic growth.
