Heirs Energies Launches Agbada Green Corridor Initiative
In early 2024, Heirs Energies unveiled the Agbada Green Corridor Initiative, a tree‑planting programme designed to boost environmental sustainability, protect biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience across its operational footprint in Rivers State. The launch took place along the Agbada Non‑Associated Gas (NAG) corridor in Omuohia Local Government Area, bringing together government officials, community leaders, environmental experts, and company staff.
Project Overview and Objectives
The initiative aims to plant thousands of native tree species along the Agbada NAG corridor, creating a vegetative buffer that can:
- Sequester carbon and mitigate greenhouse‑gas emissions.
- Reduce soil erosion and protect water catchments.
- Provide habitat for local fauna, thereby supporting biodiversity.
- Enhance community livelihoods through agroforestry opportunities.
According to the company’s sustainability report, the corridor will cover approximately 15 hectares in the first phase, with plans to expand to adjacent areas over the next three years.
Collaboration with Government and Community Stakeholders
The planting exercise was carried out in partnership with the Rivers State Ministry of Environment and the Self Help and Rural Development Association (SHERDA). Support also came from the OML 17 Host Communities Development Trust (HCDT) and various community representatives.
Officials from the Rivers State Ministry of Environment praised the programme, noting that “joint actions between government, industry, and local communities are essential for achieving Nigeria’s climate goals and preserving the Niger Delta’s ecosystems.”
Heirs Energies’ Senior Vice President, Production, Bola Bode—who stood in for Chief Executive Officer Osa Igiehon—emphasised that the initiative reflects the firm’s commitment to creating lasting value for both host communities and the environment.
“As we increase production and expand our oil and gas business, we recognise that our success is tightly linked to the well‑being of our host communities and the health of the environment in which we operate. The Agbada Green Corridor Initiative is an expression of our dedication to good governance and sustainable development.”
Impact on Sustainability and Energy Security
Heirs Energies operates OML 17, one of Nigeria’s most prolific onshore assets. Since assuming operatorship in 2021, the company has:
- More than doubled oil production to over 50,000 barrels per day.
- Tripled gas production to exceed 135 million standard cubic feet per day.
- Contributed roughly 5 % of Nigeria’s total oil output and a similar share of domestic gas supply.
These figures, cited in the company’s 2023 operational update, demonstrate how responsible resource development can coexist with proactive environmental stewardship. By integrating reforestation into its operational agenda, Heirs Energies aims to offset a portion of its operational emissions while reinforcing the resilience of the landscapes that host its facilities.
About Heirs Energies
Heirs Energies is Africa’s leading indigenous integrated energy company and the operator of OML 17. The firm’s strategy centres on three pillars: environmental stewardship, community partnership, and long‑term value creation. Its approach aligns with national objectives for energy security and sustainable development, as outlined in Nigeria’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.
Through initiatives like the Agbada Green Corridor, Heirs Energies seeks to demonstrate that energy production and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive but can reinforce each other when guided by transparent governance, scientific expertise, and genuine community engagement.
