A gas well in Nigeria’s Oil Mining Lease 17, dormant for more than a year due to excessive water production, has resumed operations, doubling the output of the joint venture between Nigerian National Petroleum Co. (NNPC) and Heirs Energies, Bloomberg reported. The boost raises supply to 135 million standard cubic feet per day, reinforcing domestic energy security and providing much-needed fuel to the nation’s power plants.

The restoration is already transforming electricity generation. Transcorp’s Transafam Power, previously limited to 50 megawatts a day, now produces over 180 megawatts. Meanwhile, First Independent Power Ltd. and Geometric Power have collectively increased output from around 100 megawatts to more than 350 megawatts.

Nigeria’s reliance on natural gas for grid electricity has exposed the sector to chronic shortages caused by years of underinvestment, vandalism, and unpaid bills. The result has been widespread blackouts and increased dependence on expensive diesel fuel.

Authorities are seeking to reverse this trend by encouraging investment in the country’s vast gas reserves. International and domestic producers including Shell Plc, Chevron Corp., TotalEnergies SE, and Seplat Energy Plc have increased gas production to meet the rising demand from power firms, aiming to stabilise supply for households and industry alike.

The OML 17 revival illustrates the immediate benefits of targeted infrastructure improvements, offering a rare boost to electricity reliability and highlighting the potential for Nigeria’s gas sector to underpin long-term energy security.