By Seun Ibiyemi
Heirs Energies Limited has received international recognition for its landmark US$750 million financing transaction, with the company’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Osa Igiehon, praising financing partners, advisers and stakeholders whose support made the deal possible.
The financing facility was recently recognised as the Best Oil & Gas Deal of the Year at the EMEA Finance Project Finance Awards 2026 in London, underscoring its significance within Africa’s energy sector.
L-R: Nnamdi Azubuike, AVP, Corporate Finance & Commercial Operations, and Pascal Eva, VP, Finance, Heirs Energies, at the EMEA Finance Project Finance Awards 2026 in London, where the company’s landmark US$750 million financing transaction was recognised as Best Oil & Gas Deal of the Year
In a statement issued on Sunday, Igiehon described the award as a testament to the confidence reposed in the company by both African and international financial institutions.
“We are proud to receive this recognition and grateful to our financing partners, advisers and stakeholders whose support made it possible,” he said.
According to him, the transaction reflects growing trust in Heirs Energies’ business strategy and demonstrates the ability of indigenous African energy companies to structure and execute world-class financing solutions.
The Heirs Energies CEO noted that the US$750 million dual-tranche Senior Secured Reserve-Based Lending facility, arranged in partnership with Afreximbank, ranks among the largest financing deals secured by an indigenous African energy company.
He said the facility would fund field development programmes, boost production and support the company’s long-term growth ambitions.
Igiehon further stated that the financing aligns with the vision of Heirs Energies Chairman, Mr. Tony Elumelu, who has consistently advocated greater participation of African institutions in financing the continent’s natural resources and energy projects.
Also speaking, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President, Global Trade Bank, Mr. Haytham ElMaayergi, described the deal as a landmark transaction that highlights the importance of Africa-focused financing solutions in supporting indigenous energy companies.
He said African financial institutions have a crucial role to play in mobilising capital to strengthen energy security, expand production capacity and drive sustainable economic growth across the continent.
The Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of Heirs Energies, Mr. Samuel Nwanze, said the international recognition validates the strength and innovation of the financing structure.
According to Nwanze, the facility is designed to support long-term investments in field development and production optimisation, while marking a significant milestone in the company’s transition to a reserve-backed capital structure.
He noted that the financing further consolidates Heirs Energies’ position as one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous energy producers.
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Nwanze revealed that since taking over operatorship of OML 17 in 2021, the company has more than doubled crude oil production to over 50,000 barrels per day and tripled gas output to more than 135 million standard cubic feet per day.
He added that Heirs Energies currently accounts for approximately five per cent of Nigeria’s oil production and domestic gas supply, reinforcing its growing role in the country’s energy landscape.
