Nigerian independent energy firm Heirs Energies Limited has won the Best Oil and Gas Deal of the Year at the EMEA Finance Project Finance Awards 2026 for its landmark 750 million dollar dual-tranche Senior Secured Reserve-Based Lending facility, recognized on June 3, 2026 in London as one of the largest financings ever secured by an indigenous African energy company.

The facility was executed with the African Export-Import Bank and structured to accelerate field development, optimize production, and support Heirs Energies’ long-term growth ambitions while maintaining disciplined capital management.

Chief Executive Osa Igiehon said the recognition reflected the confidence African and international financial institutions continued to place in the company, its strategy, and its long-term vision, and demonstrated that indigenous African energy companies could successfully structure and execute world-class financing solutions capable of supporting investment, growth, and value creation.

Afreximbank Executive Vice President for Global Trade Banking Haytham ElMaayergi said the award underscored the importance of well-structured, Africa-focused financing in supporting indigenous energy companies with strong governance, high-quality assets, and clear long-term growth plans. He said the transaction demonstrated how African financial institutions could help mobilize capital for strategic businesses that advanced energy security, production capacity, and sustainable value creation across the continent.

Heirs Energies operates Oil Mining Lease 17, acquired in 2021 in the first successful divestment transaction completed under the Petroleum Industry Act framework. Since assuming operatorship, the company has more than doubled oil production to over 50,000 barrels per day and tripled gas production to over 135 million standard cubic feet per day, contributing approximately five percent of Nigeria’s oil production and five percent of domestic gas supply.