Heirs Energies Advances Digital Oilfield Operations with New Monitoring Centre

Heirs Energies has commissioned an Integrated Operations Monitoring Centre (IOMC) for the OML 17 Joint Venture, marking a significant step in the digital transformation of Nigeria’s upstream oil and gas industry. Developed in partnership with technology company Redtech, the facility is designed to enhance operational efficiency, asset performance and energy security through real-time data integration and intelligent monitoring.

The new centre serves as a digital command hub for OML 17, consolidating production monitoring, asset management, hydrocarbon evacuation oversight and security surveillance into a single operational platform. By providing a unified view of field activities, the IOMC enables faster decision-making, improved collaboration and more efficient management of one of Nigeria’s largest onshore oil and gas assets.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Heirs Energies Chief Executive Officer Osa Igiehon said digital technologies would play a defining role in the future competitiveness of upstream operations.
“The future of upstream operations will be driven by data, technology and intelligent decision-making. The Integrated Operations Monitoring Centre provides us with a real-time operational view of our assets, enabling quicker decisions, improved collaboration and enhanced operational efficiency,” he said.

The facility is expected to improve equipment reliability, reduce downtime and optimise maintenance planning through the integration of operational data across the asset. It also incorporates advanced security technologies, including surveillance and real-time monitoring systems, to strengthen protection against threats such as crude theft, pipeline vandalism and unauthorised access.

According to Redtech Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel Ojo, the project demonstrates the value of locally developed digital solutions in addressing complex industrial challenges while delivering measurable operational benefits.

The launch of the IOMC comes as Nigeria seeks to increase hydrocarbon production, attract investment and strengthen energy security under ongoing industry reforms. Digital technologies are increasingly recognised as critical tools for improving operational performance, reducing costs and supporting environmental and governance objectives.

Since acquiring operatorship of OML 17 in 2021, Heirs Energies has pursued a strategy focused on optimising mature assets through infrastructure rehabilitation, operational improvements and technology deployment. The company reports that these initiatives have increased oil production to more than 50,000 barrels per day and expanded domestic gas supply to over 135 million standard cubic feet per day.

The commissioning of the Integrated Operations Monitoring Centre reflects a broader trend across Africa’s energy industry, where operators are increasingly investing in digital infrastructure to improve productivity, operational resilience and long-term energy security.