Media

Michael Walter
In Latest news, Press-release

Heirs Energies champions Africa’s energy future with groundbreaking solutions at AEW 2024

Osa at AEW

Heirs Energies, Africa’s leading integrated energy company, delivered transformative insights and solutions at the African Energy Week (AEW) 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. The landmark event, which convened global energy leaders from November 4-8, served as a platform for charting Africa’s path toward energy sovereignty and sustainability.

In a compelling fireside chat with Energy Intelligence, Osayande Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies, presented a masterclass on “Navigating Nigeria’s Energy Future,” offering groundbreaking perspectives on unlocking Africa’s vast energy potential while ensuring environmental stewardship.

“The future of African energy lies not in choosing between traditional and renewable sources, but in harmonizing both to create sustainable solutions that address our unique challenges,” Igiehon emphasized during his address.

Breakthrough achievements and strategic vision:

Revolutionary Field Management: Unveiled the proprietary Brown Field Engineering (BFE) approach, which has achieved an unprecedented 110% production increase in mature assets, setting new industry standards for field optimization

Strategic Energy Integration: Introduced an innovative “AND” strategy that seamlessly integrates hydrocarbon expertise with renewable technologies, creating a blueprint for Africa’s energy transition

Investment Leadership: Presented compelling strategies for attracting global capital, highlighting Africa’s competitive advantage in lower-carbon intensity projects and strategic gas monetization initiatives

Production Excellence: Showcased Heirs Energies’ success in doubling production at OML 17, demonstrating the company’s operational prowess and technical capabilities

During the high-profile panel on “The African Upstream: Investment Trends and Future Opportunities,” Igiehon articulated a bold vision for indigenous energy companies’ role in Africa’s energy transformation. He detailed how Heirs Energies’ integrated approach is reshaping industry standards while advancing the continent’s energy security agenda.

“Our success in revitalizing mature assets while pioneering sustainable practices proves that African companies can lead the global energy transition,” Igiehon stated. “We’re not just participating in the industry’s evolution; we’re driving it.”

Heirs Energies’ commanding presence at AEW 2024 reinforces its position as the torchbearer for Africa’s energy renaissance, skillfully balancing robust energy production with environmental stewardship. The company’s innovative approaches and strategic insights have set new benchmarks for sustainable energy development in Africa.

Heirs Energies Limited (formerly HeirsHoldings Oil & Gas Limited) is Africa’s leading indigenous-owned integrated energy company, committed to meeting Africa’s unique energy needs while aligning with global sustainability goals. Having a strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, Heirs Energies leads the evolving energy landscape and contributes to a more prosperous Africa.

Michael Walter
In Latest news, Press-release

Tony Elumelu to Co-Chair New Africa Summit at the 8th Edition of Saudi Arabia’s Future Investment Initiative

Tony O. Elumelu, CFR

• Elumelu and other global financial business leaders will headline the FII Opening Plenary titled “Board of Changemakers: Banking & Investment”

• Will also speak on the “Landscape of African Entrepreneurship” in a fireside chat, championing entrepreneurship, investing in youth, and highlighting the fast-growing presence of United Bank for Africa (UBA) in the Gulf

Riyadh – October 21, 2024: Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings and United Bank for Africa (UBA), and the Founder of The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), will co-chair the New African Summit, at the upcoming eighth edition of the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Themed “Infinite Horizons”, FII will gather some of the world’s most influential leaders, to demonstrate how investment can serve as a catalyst for a prosperous and sustainable future, pushing the boundaries of what is possible for humanity. Elumelu bring his perspective as both a business leader and catalytic philanthropist.

Africa will take centre stage, shaping the discussions at FII. Mr. Elumelu, one of the most prominent voices on Africa’s transformation agenda, will advocate for entrepreneurship and investing in youth as the means to accelerate Africa’s economic growth and development. He will draw insights from the impact and unique model of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the leading philanthropy empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, driving poverty eradication and job creation across Africa.

On October 29, Mr. Elumelu will join other global business leaders, in the Opening Plenary panel, titled “Board of Changemakers: Banking & Investment,” to discuss whether visionary leaders create new economic systems that embrace innovation.

Demonstrating global interest in HH Group companies and the breadth of the HH investment portfolio, the Forum will see the presence of other senior Heirs Holdings executives:

• Owen Omogiafo, President and Group CEO of Transcorp Group, one of Africa’s leading, listed companies, with strategic investments in the power, hospitality, and energy sectors, driven by its mission to improve lives and transform Africa, will join other global female leaders in the energy sector at the HERizon Summit to discuss how women can power sustainable supply chains.

• Osa Igiehon, CEO of Heirs Energies will share insights on energy transition and security at his session focused on powering Africa’s future through green investments. Heirs Energies has made significant impact in Nigeria, driving energy self-sufficiency, through rapid expansion in oil and gas production and building energy value chains, contributing to HH’s integrated energy strategy.

• Muyiwa Akinyemi, Deputy Managing Director, United Bank for Africa Group, will join a roundtable session, leveraging his perspective drawn from his career with Africa’s Global Bank. UBA Group’s presence in the GCC is pivotal in fostering stronger economic ties between Africa and the Gulf, reflecting a commitment to cross-border investment and sustainable growth.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation will also host a plenary session on the sidelines of FII, focused on youth entrepreneurship and its critical role in creating shared prosperity on the continent.

As the advocate of Africapitalism, Mr. Elumelu has long championed entrepreneurship as key to accelerating economic growth across Africa, leveraging his presence at FII to highlight the continent’s vast investment opportunities.

Mr. Elumelu said: “The relationship between Africa and the Gulf has evolved to be a thriving economic partnership, driving growth across both regions. I am proud to co-chair the New Africa Summit at FII, where we will explore mutually beneficial investment opportunities between Africa and the Gulf and highlight the key role entrepreneurship plays in transforming visions into ventures. Together, Africa and the Gulf are building a legacy of shared prosperity for a better tomorrow.”

Michael Walter
In Latest news, Press-release

Heirs Energies Executives Highlight Gas and Renewables as Key to Nigeria’s Energy Future

At the Nigeria Energy Leadership Summit Heirs Energies CEO, Osa Igiehon and Executive Director/CFO, Samuel Nwanze, shared insights on the future of Nigeria’s energy sector.

In his plenary address, Osa stressed that gas-to-power solutions are critical to overcoming the country’s energy challenges. He emphasised the importance of collaboration between upstream companies and power generators to fully unlock Nigeria’s natural gas potential, which could drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for millions of Nigerians.

“Gas-to-power is not just an option; it is the backbone of Nigeria’s energy security,” he said. “While renewable energy is essential, we need a stable baseload power supply, and natural gas provides a cleaner, more reliable alternative to coal and diesel.” He added that leveraging gas for power generation would reduce reliance on imported fuels and stabilise the national grid, helping the country cut carbon emissions while fostering sustainable development.

Osa also pointed to Nigeria’s ambitious targets to provide electricity to over 90% of the population by 2030, noting that these goals are achievable through effective government and private sector collaboration. He emphasized Heirs Energies’ commitment to being a strategic supplier of gas to power plants and industries, aiming to play a key role in ensuring Nigeria’s energy security.

Samuel Nwanze addressed the financial aspects of Nigeria’s energy transition during a fireside chat on the theme, “Investing in Tomorrow: Navigating the $360 Billion Energy Transition.” Sam revealed that Nigeria will need approximately $135 billion to decarbonize its power sector by 2060 and meet net-zero emission goals.

He outlined the critical role of innovative financing, including green bonds and blended finance, to accelerate the development of renewable energy projects. “There is no one-size-fits-all financing solution for renewable energy,” Sam said, highlighting the need for tailored approaches to mitigate project risks and attract capital. He also emphasized the importance of upgrading Nigeria’s grid infrastructure and scaling up off-grid solutions to ensure energy access and sustainability.

Sam also pointed to the need for clear policy frameworks to provide certainty around tariffs and demand, which are essential for attracting long-term investments. “Expanding transmission infrastructure and adopting energy storage solutions are key to integrating renewable energy into the national grid,” he added.

Both Osa and Sam reaffirmed Heirs Energies’ dedication to advancing Nigeria’s energy transition. By combining natural gas with renewable energy solutions, they believe Nigeria can create a sustainable and equitable energy future that will power economic growth.

 

Michael Walter
In Latest news

Heirs Energies CEO Discuss Nigeria’s Energy Sector in Financial Times Interview

Osa

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.

Osa

Watch Here

Michael Walter
In Latest news

Full Speech: Osayande Igiehon, CEO Heirs Energies at the Niger Delta Stakeholder’s Summit 2024

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, 12th 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.

Michael Walter
In News

Heirs Energies’ CEO, Osayande Igiehon discussed energy sufficiency and the future of Nigeria’s energy sector

Osayande Igiehon, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Heirs Energies, emphasizes in this interview, energy sufficiency is a key concern. In this exclusive conversation, the seasoned energy sector executive takes us through the company’s vision and its role in addressing energy issues in the country and the wider African continent.  He also shares insights into key trends shaping the sector.

Interviewer: As CEO of Heirs Energies, what are your vision and key strategies, drawing from your nearly three decades of experience in the energy sector?

Mr. Igiehon: Our ambition is clearly to be one of the top five Nigerian independents that emerge as international oil companies pull out of the upstream. However, our focus is not only upstream. We are also trying to build an integrated energy company and business with a strong footing in midstream and a strong integration with power.

Beyond Heirs Energies, Heirs Holdings has an integrated energy play, which is driven, on the one hand, by our growth in the upstream and midstream sectors and, on the other hand, by power through our investments in Transcorp. So, interlinkage from hydrocarbons to power will also be a key piece of our future.

Given my 30 years in the industry, I’m building and leading Heirs Energies to be a very strong, definitive, and differentiated company in the marketplace.

There are three key elements that underpin our approach to building Heirs Energies. This approach has seen the company grow from zero to acquiring an asset with no capability and no track record in 2021 to being recognized within three years as one of the leading Nigerian independent companies with a lot of promise.

The first thing is that we have tried to build a different, value-driven company. Everything we are doing is driven by value, and it quite significantly differentiates us from the activity-driven approach predominant in the industry.

The second thing we are building is an organization with a strong ethos founded on value and what we call our winning behaviors — our winning ways of working. These ways describe how our staff turn up and approach every activity, task, or objective that they are tasked with. In this way, we are building a company that achieves outcomes that outpace any of our peers.

Thirdly, we are building a company that will be an expert in brownfield engineering. One of the dominant mindsets in the industry is a greenfield approach, where projects are new, expensive, and time-consuming. However, we are building a brownfield excellence company that focuses on old assets, maximizing their value by working faster, thinking outside the box yet maintaining safety, and ensuring that we achieve outcomes that exceed expectations in every area.

Interviewer: What role do you see Africa playing in the global energy transition? What unique opportunities or challenges does the continent face?

Mr. Igiehon: The first thing to note here is that Africa’s role in the global energy transition is one that needs a lot of consideration.

First, let me talk about the reality of Africa, the starting point of where we are today. Today, we have a significant deficiency in energy supply. Many different quotes are being given, but it suffices to say that there’s a commonality that over 50% of our energy needs are unfulfilled. Over 50% of sub-Saharan Africans, for example, live with less than 20% of their electricity requirement.

This presents a critical point for us when it comes to considering our position going forward.

How do we address this huge energy deficiency in a world that is espousing energy transition? When you consider that energy transition involves moving from a system where the predominant energy supply or consumption is through petroleum products to a global system where the energy supply and consumption is mainly electricity, it becomes a critical issue.

There is a subtext and a growing push to move the global energy system from hydrocarbons to renewables. But over the past few years, we have seen that this agenda does not fully include Africa and that Africa needs to craft its own journey in this transition. Every system would transit; the conversation is where you are transiting from and where you are transiting to. And my position is that Africa’s destination in this transition has to be energy sufficiency.

We have to be on a journey of energy sufficiency, and that should be our focus. Our focus should not necessarily be on the energy transition as popularly posited — because this presents quite a number of challenges for us. This is especially true given that the Western world is keen, for stated environmental reasons, to move the energy system from one that is dominated by hydrocarbons to one that is dominated by renewables. The recent years have shown the underbelly and the weaknesses of this popular approach and the geopolitical undertones that underpin it.

For Africa, we need to focus on how we can be energy-sufficient in the shortest period of time to power our economies and improve the lives and livelihoods of our people.

This, for me, is the key consideration. And I do believe that getting to energy sufficiency for Africa is going to be by a combination of energy sources.

We need our hydrocarbons, which we are very blessed with, and we continue to find new sources of them every day. Our energy mix will also include renewables, both traditional renewables like hydro and emerging renewables like solar, wind, and many others.

It’s very important that we envision a future where the demand is better understood, the gap is better understood, and the supply and how we fulfill it are better understood. We need a consolidated and dedicated effort to bridge this gap.

I think Africa and African countries should focus on crafting energy-sufficiency plans rather than energy transition plans. These energy-sufficiency plans should take advantage of the developments from energy transition, such as new sources of energy, and use these as accelerators to bridge the gap, rather than making the transition itself the primary objective.

Interviewer: How is Heirs Energies addressing these?

Mr. Igiehon: I think I’m very proud to say that we are a significant producer of oil and gas in Nigeria. We produce roughly 3 to 4% of Nigeria’s oil production, as well as roughly 3 to 4% of Nigeria’s domestic gas supply.

We are very proud that all of our gas goes into the domestic market, driving power plants and providing feedstock to gas-based industries. This supports lives and livelihoods, creates jobs, and supplies energy for daily use to thousands of homes and people every day.

We intend to continue growing our gas supply into the domestic market and build a midstream position that will be targeted at the Nigerian domestic market, both looking at liquids and gases. So, we are uniquely poised in line with our vision to address Africa’s energy needs. Over the years, we have been hoping to build a global-scale business that will make an impact in the energy space in Africa.

Interviewer: What are the most significant trends shaping the energy sector, and how will they impact the future?

Mr. Igiehon: There are a number of key trends at play — globally and regionally/locally. There is an interplay between them, and it will have an imprint on what we will see in the energy industry going forward.

On a global level, there are a number of key factors to consider.

For me, the first one is the energy transition. It’s a key trend. This started in the last decade with a lot of momentum around changing the energy system. There’s a deliberate drive for acceleration of the energy system from, as mentioned, one dominated by hydrocarbon supply to one dominated by renewable supply.

But recent events have toned the drive for acceleration, and there is now a more balanced view globally on the pace at which this transition will happen; what the components of the future energy supply and demand system would be; and a clarity that hydrocarbons will definitely remain as one of the key sources of supply over time.

Interlinked with and underpinning this is a growing realization and common understanding that hydrocarbons are not the problem; the problem is emissions of greenhouse gases. Now, there is a more concerted effort to look at the issue more broadly, focusing on emission elimination and reduction, as opposed to the elimination of hydrocarbons. That is going to be a key factor. So, it’s not just about energy transition but also a shift in the thinking of what underpins the energy transition.

A second point is the global geopolitical balance in the world. we’ve seen lots of posturing. We’ve seen the Russia-Ukraine war dominate the space for the past 3 to 4 years. And we are now seeing a potentially expanding theater of conflict in the Middle East with the war between Israel and the proxies of Iran.

These two conflicts have shaped the global discourse and have an imprint on energy in the past years. I think these and other geopolitical tensions — and the quest for energy security by certain regions facing the realities of declining hydrocarbon reserves — are going to shape the global energy landscape.

Thirdly, significant hydrocarbon discoveries have been made in existing and new places across the world. For example, Guyana has had huge finds, and Namibia has reported significant exploration and finds. These discoveries create a different dynamic of increased hydrocarbon supply, potentially offering hydrocarbons at cheaper rates than alternatives. This will be a key consideration for many countries as they chart the course of energy supply and energy security.

Source: Energy Utilities

Michael Walter
In News, Press-release

Heirs Energies CEO Advocates for Energy Sufficiency and Sustainable Partnerships at the 17th German-African Energy Forum

Osa Igiehon

We are proud to share that our CEO, Osa Igiehon, recently participated in a thought-provoking panel discussion titled “Africa’s Climate Action is Gaining Momentum” at the 17th German-African Energy Forum in Hamburg, Germany.

The forum brought together key stakeholders from the energy sector to discuss Africa’s climate action, green industrialization, and the role of the private sector in driving sustainable energy transition.

During the panel, moderated by Katarina Kunert from Afrika-Verein, Osa emphasized the critical importance of achieving energy sufficiency in Africa as a foundation for sustainable development and economic growth. He highlighted our commitment at Heirs Energies to delivering more energy into the ecosystem in a manner that effectively meets the growing energy demands while minimizing the overall carbon footprint.

Osa stressed that Africa’s energy transition must be one that takes Africa from a current state of energy deficiency to a future of energy sufficiency. To him, “energy Sufficiency for Africa is a key imperative”. He posited that within the context of the global focus on achieving a low-carbon energy future to address climate concerns, we must not overlook the pressing need to address energy poverty and ensure reliable access to electricity for all Africans.”

He also shed light on our multi-energy approach at Heirs Holdings Group, spanning from gas production to power generation and distribution, which positions us to tackle Africa’s energy issues comprehensively and sustainably.

Osa highlighted our role in the Federal Government of Nigeria’s electrification drive, supplying gas to three power plants in eastern Nigeria and contributing to the journey towards a lower carbon footprint and energy sufficiency.

When asked about the kind of partnerships needed to develop Africa’s energy landscape in a future-oriented manner, Osa emphasized the importance of collaboration and the philosophy of Africapitalism, which underpins our parent company, Heirs Holdings. Africapitalism recognizes the critical role of the private sector in driving social and economic progress.

“Shared prosperity for all stakeholders are at the heart of Heirs Energies’ approach to partnerships,” Osa explained. “We believe that true partnerships should be enabling and symbiotic, rather than extractive. It should be a win-win and not win-lose, ensuring that all parties involved benefit from the collaboration.”

He further emphasized that we at Heirs Energies actively seek partnerships with governments, international organizations, and other industry stakeholders to accelerate Africa’s energy transformation. By working together, we believe that innovative solutions can be developed, investments attracted, and an enabling environment created for sustainable energy development across the continent.

The panel also featured insightful contributions from Christine Amira, Sustainability and Communications expert at WILO SE; Ross Palmer, Associate Director Energy Eurasia MEA at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; and Samir Rachidi, Director General of IRESEN, Morocco.

As Africa continues to gain momentum in its climate action, we at Heirs Energies remain committed to driving sustainable energy transition and forging collaborative partnerships to achieve energy sufficiency and greener industrialization across the continent.

The insights shared by our CEO, Osa Igiehon, at the 17th German-African Energy Forum underline our dedication to shaping Africa’s energy landscape for a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Michael Walter
In Latest news

CEOs of Heirs Energies and Transcorp Champion Africa’s Energy Transition at the 17th German-African Energy Forum

Lagos, Nigeria – May 13, 2024 – Heirs Energies CEO and Transcorp Group’s President/Group CEO; Osayande Igiehon and Owen Omogiafo, OON, will join global business leaders at the 17th German-African Energy Forum in Hamburg, Germany, this week.

As leaders of one of Africa’s largest integrated energy businesses, the Heirs and Transcorp team bring a unique perspective on Africa and the opportunities in the African energy space. Heirs Holdings has rapidly implemented founder Tony Elumelu’s commitment to bring robust power supply to Africa and ensure African natural resources drive value creation in Africa.

The executives will echo Elumelu’s message to COP28 in Dubai – that equitable transition must work for Africa.  Themed “Africa’s energy roadmap: Breaking new grounds for greener economies”, Omogiafo and Igiehon will speak on panel sessions addressing Africa’s unique energy needs and the continent’s potential for green industrialisation.

Omogiafo will present recommendations for aligning off-grid and on grid solutions to boost power capacity and drive industrial growth in Africa, on her panel themed “Renewables for industrial growth”.  Transcorp is one of the largest power producers in Nigeria, and now supplies West Africa, with strategic investments in the energy sector through Transcorp Power Plc, Transafam Power, and Transcorp Energy.

Igiehon will emphasise the importance of achieving energy sufficiency in Africa, as a foundation for sustainable development and economic growth.  On his panel entitled “Africa’s Climate Action is Gaining Momentum – Green Industrialization, Climate Finance, Carbon Markets, and Policy Changes”, he will advocate for an approach that leverages Africa’s diverse energy resources, including both conventional and renewable sources, to bridge the energy access gap and provide reliable, affordable power to households, businesses, and industries.  Heirs Energies is operator of OML-17 and is a significant contributor of Nigeria’s gas supply, including to 3 power plants and is committed to providing sustainable energy solutions to address Africa energy needs.

Earlier this week, Heirs Holdings announced that its Founder, Tony Elumelu will participate in a high-level roundtable discussion at the B7 Summit in Rome on May 17, “Powering the Energy Transition for the Benefit of All”, where he will propose recommendations and priorities for catalysing energy transition that is equitable.  The B7 is the official business engagement group for the G7, a political and economic forum of seven advanced economies including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the United States.

Michael Walter
In News, Press-release

Heirs Energies Named “Emerging Energy Company of the Year” at Inaugural Energy Times Awards

LAGOS, 23/04/2024 – Heirs Energies, Africa’s leading integrated energy company has announced that it has been awarded the “Emerging Energy Company of the Year” at the inaugural edition of the Energy Times Awards. The ceremony, held in Lagos on Friday, April 19, 2024, recognised Heirs Energies for its remarkable growth and substantial investments in the energy sector since its inception in 2021.

The Energy Times Awards aim to celebrate outstanding achievements and innovations within the energy industry, highlighting companies and individuals driving positive change and making significant contributions to the sector’s advancement.

Heirs Energies’ recognition as the “Emerging Energy Company of the Year” underscores its commitment to energy solutions and its rapid growth and investment within the energy sector. The company’s oil production has grown from about 27,000 barrels per day (bpd) at the take-over of operational control in July 2021, to a peak of over 50,000bpd 100 days after the asset takeover in 2021.

“We are honored to receive the award of ‘Emerging Energy Company of the Year’ at the inaugural Energy Times Awards,” said Osa Igiehon, Chief Executive Officer of Heirs Energies. “This recognition is a demonstration of the dedication and hard work of our team in the last 3 years, as well as our commitment to driving positive and innovative change in the energy sector. We are proud of the progress we have made since inception in 2021 and remain steadfast in our mission to meet Africa’s unique needs,” he added.

Since its establishment in 2021, Heirs Energies has become an important contributor to the domestic gas supply in Nigeria. It achieved first gas from the Agbada Non-Associated Gas (NAG) Plant in November 2021, after taking over the project in May 2021. The significance of this milestone is highlighted 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.

 

Heirs Energies has continued to expand its footprint and has become a key contributor to the domestic gas market, allowing for an increased supply to gas-based industries and gas-powered electricity generation companies.

Heirs Energies Limited (formerly HeirsHoldings Oil & Gas Limited) is Africa’s largest indigenous-owned integrated energy company, committed to meeting Africa’s unique energy needs whilst aligning with global sustainability goals. With a strong focus on innovation, environmental responsibility, and community development, Heirs Energies leads the evolving energy landscape and contributes to a more prosperous Africa.

Michael Walter
In Latest news, Press-release

Interview: CEO, Osa Igiehon speaks on Heirs Energies’ growth journey with Global Business Report

Can you provide an overview of Heirs Energies and its operations?

Heirs Energies operates under the umbrella of Heirs Holdings, a conglomerate involved in diverse sectors, including financial services. Our overarching goal is to effect positive change in Africa by transforming lives and driving socio-economic development. The decision to venture into the energy sector stemmed from a recognition of the pivotal role energy plays in empowering African communities. Heirs Energies’ journey into the energy sector commenced with the acquisition of the OML-17 lease in early 2021 for US$1.2 billion. With over a billion barrels of oil and 2.4 trillion cubic feet of gas, OML-17 holds immense potential.

After the takeover of OML-17, we faced challenges with evacuating crude oil from the site, resulting in over 95% of production being lost or stolen at one point. Faced with these challenges, we decided to temporarily suspend production to address the underlying issues comprehensively. During this hiatus, we collaborated with stakeholders, including the government, to implement robust security measures and repair infrastructure, including the pipeline. This collaborative effort helped us navigate these challenges.

By late October 2022, we successfully resumed production, and throughout 2023 we focused on stabilizing operations and enhancing efficiency. We have made considerable progress, with production levels steadily increasing, reaching 45,000 bpd, and with oil losses and theft being reduced to under 15%.

Our operational footprint primarily spans Rivers State, where OML-17 is located. Despite OML-17’s long history, we have applied innovative approaches to maximize the asset’s value and minimize environmental impact. Moreover, our focus extends beyond oil production. We recognize the importance of gas supply in driving economic growth and powering industries. As such, we have expanded our gas supply to support power generation and industrial activities, particularly in Eastern Nigeria.

How do you plan to eliminate the remaining theft in your production process and how has Heirs Energies navigated the current currency fluctuations in Nigeria?

Addressing crude theft in our production process requires a multifaceted approach involving collaboration with government agencies and a focus on enhancing security measures. While commendable progress has been made thanks to initiatives by the NNPC and the Federal Government, achieving complete elimination of theft remains a challenge.

The fluctuating exchange rates pose challenges across various aspects of our business, including procurement, financial planning, and stakeholder engagements. We are closely monitoring the situation and implementing measures to manage risks effectively.

Can you share Heirs Energies’ approach to ESG and the reduction of routine gas flaring?

We understand that our operations impact not just our company but also the communities and ecosystems in which we operate. Therefore, we prioritize building strong, collaborative relationships with our host communities based on principles of mutual respect and appreciation. Initially, this involved a shift from historical ‘pay for peace’ agreements to the more inclusive Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) model, that is supported by the new petroleum law. This transition was not without challenges, given historical mistrust. However, through consistent efforts, we are resetting these relationships, with a focus on long-term partnerships rather than short-term gains.

Our commitment to reducing gas flaring goes hand in hand with our broader ESG goals. We have set ambitious targets to eliminate flaring ahead of the government’s timeline. Currently, we are implementing solutions across five flaring hotspots, leveraging both governmental programs and proprietary initiatives. For instance, we are engaged with the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialization Program (NGFCP) to address flaring in certain fields. Additionally, we are exploring innovative technologies and localized solutions to tackle flaring in other areas.

How do other companies within Heirs Holdings, such as Transcorp, complement Heirs Energies?

The complementary relationship is mainly with the power companies within the Heirs Holdings portfolio. Specifically, Transcorp Power and the TransAfam Power Plant. With these two entities, Heirs Holdings owns approximately 15.5% of Nigeria’s installed power generation capacity. Notably, we also provide feed gas to Transcorp Group. This alignment supports our overarching goal of empowering Africa with energy. Heirs Holdings’ investment in the energy sector spans primary energy sources, power generation, and distribution. While the government oversees transmission, our focus is on distribution, as exemplified by our parent company, Heirs Holdings’ investment in the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company.

Source:  Global Business Report, 27th March 2024, https://www.gbreports.com/interview/osa-igiehon

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