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Osa Igiehon CEO, Heirs Energies recently featured in an insightful interview with the Financial Times. The interview covers Nigeria’s current oil production challenges, and the significant contributions Heirs Energies is making in the sector.
In the interview, Osa Igiehon discusses:

• Heirs Energies’ role in Nigeria’s oil and gas production.
• Challenges such as theft and investment hurdles.
• The broader energy transition and the emergence of indigenous companies.

Watch Here

Full Speech: Osayande Igiehon, CEO Heirs Energies (Representing Mr Tony O. Elumelu CFR, Chairman UBA, Heirs Holdings and Transcorp Plc) at the Niger Delta Stakeholder’s Summit 2024 at Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt, 12^th July 2024 on “Renewed Hope for Sustainable Development In The Niger Delta”

His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

The President, Commander-in-Chief, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Dr Goodluck Jonathan, GCFR, Former President, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Senator Godswill Akpabio, CON, President of The Senate

All other protocols observed.

Good morning distinguished guests, stakeholders, and fellow proud sons and daughters of the Niger Delta.

It is a great honor to be here with you today, on behalf of Mr. Tony Elumelu CFR.

We congratulate the Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for hosting this epoch summit, to deliberate on the Niger Delta, the Renewed Hope agenda of our dear President Tinubu and how this agenda will bring sustainable development to the Region.

As many of you know, Mr. Elumelu hails from Delta State and is a passionate believer in the tremendous potential of the Niger Delta and its people. Being Edo myself, I am quite pleased for this opportunity to give our reflections on this important theme.

The Renewed Hope Agenda is the transformative platform of our dear President Tinubu, which is hinged on the core pillars of Democracy, Development, Demographics, and Diaspora Engagement.

Classically, sustainable development refers to the ability to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Furthermore, the United Nations has developed a Sustainable Development Goals Program with several key objectives that are crucial to the development of the Niger Delta, namely addressing poverty and hunger; providing health, education, and decent work; providing infrastructure and affordable energy; making communities and cities sustainable; and taking the necessary actions to address the impacts of climate change.

Against this backdrop, we see that the sustainable development of the Niger Delta requires all the stakeholders represented in this summit today – the Federal, State, and Local Governments and their organs and agencies; the private sector; traditional and community institutions; civil society; and the public at large.

The Summit’s theme of “Renewed Hope for Sustainable Development in the Niger Delta” resonates deeply with us, because, for too long, the story of the Niger Delta has been one of unfulfilled potential, environmental degradation, and economic exclusion. And, we believe that a new chapter in the long story is being written – one defined by more sustainable growth, shared prosperity and empowered communities.

The Renewed Hope agenda of Mr President therefore will be pivotal to the advancement of sustainable development of the Niger Delta on many fronts.

Looking at the private sector, we at HeirsHoldings have consistently espoused that the African private sector must play a leading role in Africa’s development. This is one of the key tenets of our philosophy called Africapitalism, which is at the heart of everything we do.

With Africapitalism, we seek to create both economic and social value in all our investments and operations. We measure our success not just by the profits we generate, but by the jobs we create, the businesses we empower, our environmental responsibility and the communities we uplift.

At Heirs Holdings, we are deeply committed to driving sustainable development and creating shared prosperity across Africa. To date, our companies employ over 40,000 people in more than 20 African countries

Here in the Niger Delta, the heartland of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, we are demonstrating our dedication to the region through our strategic investments and operations. Our oil and gas subsidiary, Heirs Energies Limited, operates significant OML17 in Rivers State. Notably, 100% of the gas produced from OML17 is channeled into the domestic market, providing critical energy supply to power industries, hospitals, homes, and schools across the region. This not only brings economic relief to the people, but also underscores our commitment to catalyzing local development.

In the power sector, Transcorp operates two significant plants in the Niger Delta: the Ughelli Power Plant in Delta State and the Trans Afam Power Plant here in Rivers State. With a combined installed capacity of 3000MW, these investments are strategically positioned to transform lives by expanding access to reliable and affordable electricity.

Our business investments demonstrates our belief that indigenous companies like ours have a unique role and responsibility in driving the Niger Delta’s growth and prosperity, and we are proud to be leading by example.

Beyond our business activities, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has to date empowered over 20,000 young African entrepreneurs, including thousands here in the Niger Delta, providing them with the capital and training to launch and grow their businesses.

As the Head of Heirs Holdings’ Oil and Gas investments, I have had the privilege of working closely with Mr. Elumelu, witnessing his vision and passion for driving Africa’s growth through entrepreneurship and private-sector innovation. He always emphasizes that while the private sector has a vital role, it cannot succeed in isolation. Systemic challenges from infrastructure deficits to skills gaps to a difficult business environment, can stifle even the most promising entrepreneurial spirits.

This situation is evident in many places, including the Niger Delta, where we have been grappling with many challenges over the years, including  poverty, environmental degradation, social unrest, and an over-reliance on oil and gas. However, Mr. Elumelu has also instilled in us an unshaken belief that a new future is possible for the Niger Delta – a future where every person can have a decent life, access quality fundamentals of life – food, shelter, healthcare education, etc and be engaged economically; where local businesses can thrive and grow; where communities are healthy, peaceful and resilient; and where the benefits of the region’s vast natural resources are shared equitably.

Achieving this vision will not be easy. It will require all of us – government, business, civil society, and communities – to work together in new ways. It will demand sustained commitment, innovative thinking, and difficult compromises. But I assure you today, it can be done!

We have seen determined leaders and engaged citizens come together to transform even the most challenging circumstances. With the right policies, investments and partnerships, we can build an economy in the Niger Delta that is diverse, inclusive and sustainable. An economy that creates opportunities for all. An economy that harnesses the dynamism of the private sector while ensuring that growth is broadly shared. This is the renewed hope that this moment demands of us.

So, beyond Mt President’s agenda in itself,  Renewed Hope is a call to action to all stakeholders, that we should rekindle our interest and intellect, that we should shore up our courage and the resilience that we are known for as Nigerians; that we should face the tasks at hand with resolve and enthusiasm, and with a clear conviction that the challenges of sustainably developing the Delta is possible. And that we should commit to this objectives, under the leadership of Mr President and the critical initiatives being deployed under Renewed Hope agenda.

At Heirs Holdings, under Mr. Elumelu’s leadership and vision, we are fully committed to this task. We stand ready to work with all of you to seize this opportunity and to build a more just, prosperous, and peaceful future for the Niger Delta and all its people.

As a son of the Niger Delta myself, I am energized by the dynamism, creativity, and resilience I see in our young people every day. With the right support and opportunities, they will be the drivers of the region’s rebirth and renewal.

Together, let us seize this moment to make the Niger Delta the pride of Nigeria and the world.

Thank you.

Since its bold entry into the Nigerian oil and gas exploration and production business, integrated independent energy company, Heirs Energies Limited, continues to soar despite the challenging operating environment, writes Peter Uzoho

In January 2021, when the world, especially the global oil and gas industry, was still reeling with the adverse impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Nigeria’s industry witnessed the news of a landmark deal of the year.
Then, Heirs Energies (formerly Heirs Oil & Gas Limited) was launched into the Nigerian E&P space, following the completion of an eight-year $1.2 billion transaction to acquire the prolific Oil Mining Lease (OML)17 from the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC), Total E&P Nigeria Limited, and ENI.
With the deal, Tony Elumelu-owned Heirs Energies began the solidification of the joint venture partnership with its new partner, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), which controls 55 percent of the asset.
However, three years down the line, the company, which is still in a celebratory mood as it recently commemorated its third anniversary, has recorded a lot of milestone achievements since its emergence. Within the short scale of entrance into the oil and gas E&P space, Heirs Energies has displayed a track record of significant production increases, pioneered a new model of community engagement, built a world class Nigerian management team with a sound safety record, all contributing to a new beginning in ensuring Nigeria’s sustainable energy future.
The independent energy firm has consequently become a role model institution within the energy sector, through phenomenal milestones and achievements recorded. These achievements are credited to the company’s sound corporate governance and an excellent operational strategy, thus becoming a major competing force in the oil and gas business.

OIL PRODUCTION GROWTH

One major success achieved by Heirs Energies in the last three years of existence and post-asset acquisition is the significant rise in its oil production, which offered a huge boost to Nigeria’s oil production and revenue generation.
At a time when Nigeria is in dire need of optimising its oil output, Heirs Energies’ oil production has grown from about 27,000 barrels per day (bpd) at the take-over of operational control, to a peak of over 50,000bpd 100 days later by October 5, 2021.
Oil losses, which had reached a peak of 97 per cent late 2021 due to theft, has now been reduced to less than 15 per cent, with definitive actions taken by the government in collaboration with operators to address the pipeline security and related concerns.
Built from scratch, with a 100 per cent Nigerian organisation operating to international industry standards, Heirs Energies took over OML-17 asset operations on July 1, 2021, a month ahead of plan, and has been operating the asset without any major incident/accident.

 DOMESTIC GAS SUPPLY BOOST

Aside its contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s crude oil production, Heirs Energies has also ensured a steady gas production for domestic use, thus signing on to the federal government’s Decade of Gas objective, which aims to encourage more gas production for domestic use. The energy firm commenced gas production without delay and has rapidly become an important contributor to the domestic gas supply in Nigeria. It achieved its first gas from the Agbada Non-Associated Gas (NAG) Plant on November 21, 2021, after taking over the project in May 2021.The significance of this milestone is accentuated by the fact that the Agbada NAG plant had been under construction for over 10 years by the previous operator and upon takeover, the company demonstrated capability and expertise by quickly bringing the plant to mechanical completion and identifying further growth opportunities. It is gratifying to note that 100 percent of gas produced by Heirs Energies goes into the domestic market to meet local demand, providing energy to thousands of households, supplementing power plants, and supporting various gas-reliant industries in the region.

Also, the company started up Train 2 of the Agbada NAG, at the 80mmscf/d capacity gas production facility located in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. With this facility, Heirs Energies has expanded its footprint within the domestic gas market, allowing for an increased supply to gas-based industries and gas-powered electricity generators.
At the third anniversary ceremony of Heirs Energies held recently, the Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu, expressed his pride, while reflecting on his vision for the company. He stated: “As someone from the Niger Delta, I had seen firsthand how Nigeria’s resource wealth can be mishandled. The energy sector was an industry that had frankly not served Nigeria’s interest.  I knew Nigeria could do better and control her destiny.
“My vision was to build Africa’s largest indigenous-owned integrated energy company, focused on Africa’s unique energy needs. As I look back now, we have more than succeeded.”
Elumelu, who is also the Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) and Transcorp, commended the Heirs Energies’ team, sharing his deep gratitude for their commitment to his vision of creating value for all stakeholders within the energy sector.
He said: “I want to take this opportunity and mark this anniversary, by saluting and thanking the Heirs Energies team, led by MD/CEO, Osa Igiehon.  Your hard work, dedication and expertise has enabled us to become a role model within the energy sector, as we strive towards our purpose of improving lives and communities across our continent.”

STRATEGIC REBRANDING

With the change in the global oil and gas industry’s dynamics, driven by the energy transition pressures and the need for companies to review their operational models to be fit for sustainability, the then Heirs Oil & Gas Limited, in 2023, responded by embarking on a transformative rebranding journey.
That move led to the company evolving from Heirs Oil & Gas to Heirs Energies. The change, according to the energy firm, “echoes our broader vision to not only meet Africa’s unique energy demands but to do so through sustainable and responsible practices that align with global standards”.

EXCELLENT SAFETY RECORDS

When it set out to become an energy company, Heirs Energies had taken a broad view of the kind of organisation it wanted to be known and remembered as in terms of safety culture and compliance, as well as the type of operator-host community relationship it wanted to have to ensure a peaceful operating environment.
Through the implementation of sound safety policies, the company has been able to achieve top quartile safety records. Specifically, Heirs Energies has sustained zero Lost-Time Incident (LTI)-free operations in OML 17 with 1.5 million man-hours operations in 2023.
The above record is a testament to the firm’s commitment to safety best practices as it maintains its zero incident and fatality record from inception.

ROBUST COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

However, in the area of community engagement that works for both parties, Heirs Energies has continued to live up to its philosophy of a Shared Destiny with local communities, by seeking out local talent and creating entrepreneurs.
As a result, over 300 young people have been empowered through skill acquisition programmes, from poultry & fish farming, fashion designing, catering, welding and fabrication etc.

Heirs Energies also carried out electrical infrastructure upgrades across host communities, which have impacted a population of over 270,000 people in Ikwerre, Etche, and Obio/Akpor local government areas  of Rivers State.The company’s intervention in education saw it support over 280 undergraduates from host communities with bursary and scholarship awards: classroom furniture upgrades in selected public schools in Etche and Obio/Akpor.Nevertheless, Heirs Energies pioneered establishing the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), earning commendations from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and setting an industry benchmark for implementing an innovative governance structure, for the HCDT in the Nigerian oil and gas sector.

WORLD-CLASS NIGERIAN ORGANISATION

As a 100 per cent indigenous company, Heirs Energies takes particular pride in its fully Nigerian team, who are catalysing and delivering innovative technical solutions every day.
This is, indeed, a true demonstration of Nigerian excellence in institutionalising and executing key strategies.
Notably, the oil producer recognises the importance of a sustainable future and plans to play a role in Nigeria’s transition to a more sustainable energy source.  The company’s journey reflects a commitment to bring abundant and affordable power to schools, hospitals, and industries, shaping a sustainable future for Africa.

Also, Heirs Energies is reputed as one of Africa’s largest indigenous-owned integrated energy companies, committed to meeting Africa’s unique energy needs while aligning with global sustainability goals.
With a strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, the independent energy producer leads in the evolving energy landscape and contributes to a more prosperous Africa.

In recognition of its stellar performances within the short time it has been in operation, a number of reputable institutions have commended Heirs Energies through awards of different categories.
For instance, in 2023, Heirs Energies received the ‘Excellence in Sustainable Energy Operations’ award at the Nigerian Business Leadership Awards by BusinessDay Media. The honour, without doubt, was a resounding affirmation of the team’s vigorous dedication and fervent pursuit of sustainability in every of the company’s initiatives.Similarly, in 2022, it was awarded the ‘Africa Deal of the Year 2021’ by Project Finance International (PFI), following its $1.1 billion financing and acquisition of a 45 per cent stake in OML 17, in January 2021.

• Culled from ThisDay News, Business Special, 12th Feb. 2024 / pg. 38

Samuel Nwanze, the Executive Director/Chief Finance Officer of Heirs Oil & Gas, took the stage as a representative of Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Chairman, Heirs Oil & Gas at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Nigeria Annual International Conference and Exhibition (NAICE) 2023. During a panel session themed “Role of FDI (Foreign Direct Investments) in the efficient development of natural gas reserves to meet Africa’s energy security demands,” Samuel discussed the critical role of Foreign Direct Investments in driving the continent’s energy future.

Speaking to the gathering of industry experts and delegates, he emphasised the necessity of carefully structured project deals. He stressed that aligning the interests of project owners and investors is pivotal in maximising the benefits of FDI (Foreign Direct Investments) for the development of Africa’s natural gas resources.

“A lot of work has to be done in terms of how we structure project deals. The structuring of projects should allow getting the FDI in such a way that it meets the project owner’s objective as well as that of the investor,” he stated.

Furthermore, Samuel highlighted the importance of indigenous players demonstrating a track record and showing credibility in capital deployment to attract foreign investments. He stated, “For firms to attract these foreign investments, indigenous players need to demonstrate some track record and credibility in capital deployment where they have been able to yield returns.”

The panel session at NAICE 2023 provided a platform for industry leaders like Samuel Nwanze to share their expertise and vision for Africa’s energy landscape. As the continent continues to grapple with energy security challenges, discussions on leveraging FDI and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships are pivotal for the sustainable growth and prosperity of the region.