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Heirs Energies highlights environmental protection, community development on World Sustainability Day – EnviroNews
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Heirs Energies has reaffirmed its commitment to responsible energy development, environmental protection, workplace safety and host community development as it commemorates World Sustainability Day.
The company said its sustainability approach goes beyond oil and gas production to include improving people’s lives, creating economic opportunities, protecting the environment and delivering lasting value to host communities.
In a statement marking the day, Heirs Energies highlighted its progress across four key areas: responsible energy production, environmental protection, social development, and performance and accountability.
Under its responsible energy production strategy, the company said it was focused on improving asset performance, optimising production and unlocking greater value from existing resources through its Brownfield Excellence approach.
As part of efforts to improve resource efficiency and reduce environmental impacts, the NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture signed Gas Flare Commercialisation Agreements with five approved flare gas offtakers in December 2025.
The agreements, signed under the Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme and approved non-NGFCP frameworks, are intended to facilitate the productive use of flare gas while promoting environmental stewardship.
On environmental protection, Heirs Energies highlighted its Agbada Green Corridor Initiative, launched in June 2026 to support tree planting and environmental restoration along approximately one kilometre of the Agbada Non-Associated Gas Corridor in Omuohia, Rivers State.
Implemented in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Environment and SHERDA, with support from the OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) and community stakeholders, the initiative has established 452 trees across six species.
The company estimates that the planted trees have an annual carbon-sequestration potential of 5.4 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e).
On community development, Heirs Energies said it supports initiatives spanning education, healthcare and essential infrastructure across 80 host communities in Rivers State through the NNPC/Heirs Energies OML 17 Joint Venture and the HCDT.
According to the company, more than 24,600 people have benefited from free medical outreach programmes across OML 17 host communities.
It added that more than 1,800 students had received support through undergraduate scholarships, educational grants and bursary awards in 2026, while over 340 beneficiaries had been reached through skills development and empowerment programmes.
The company also emphasised workplace safety as a central component of its sustainability commitments.
It disclosed that it achieved 11.9 million Lost Time Injury-free man-hours in September 2026, marking more than five years without a Lost Time Injury.
Heirs Energies said its safety principle, “Everyone is a Safety Officer,” reinforces the shared responsibility of protecting workers and preventing workplace incidents.
On performance and accountability, the company said it was prioritising operational reliability, regulatory compliance and effective risk management to ensure that responsible business practices remain central to its decisions.
It added that continued investment in OML 17 was aimed at improving asset performance, strengthening domestic energy supply and contributing to Nigeria’s energy security and economic development.
“Our commitment is to ensure that operational progress is matched by responsible governance and enduring value for our stakeholders,” the company stated.
Heirs Energies said its sustainability priorities were guided by the objective of building an African energy business capable of generating economic, environmental and social value.
The company also linked its approach to Africapitalism, a philosophy championed by its Group Chair, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, which promotes private-sector investment that delivers both commercial returns and lasting social impact.
Reaffirming its commitment on World Sustainability Day, Heirs Energies said it would continue to develop Africa’s energy resources responsibly, protect the environment, invest in people and communities, and contribute to a more sustainable and prosperous future.
World Sustainability Day is observed every year on the last Wednesday of October, serving as a global reminder to promote sustainable practices and environmental awareness.
It originated in 1969 alongside the U.S. National Environmental Policy Act and has since grown into a worldwide platform encouraging individuals, businesses, and communities to adopt long‑term, eco‑friendly habits.