Osa Igiehon is a visionary energy leader and transformative executive with over 3 decades of global experience driving innovation in exploration, production, and integrated energy solutions. As CEO of Heirs Energies Limited, Africa’s fastest growing indigenous integrated energy company and operator of OML 17, Osa has redefined operational excellence while advancing Africa’s energy sufficiency agenda.

A staunch advocate for energy sufficiency, Osa champions policies that harmonize industrial growth with environmental stewardship, positioning Africa as a hub for resilient energy infrastructure. His insights have shaped critical dialogues at global platforms, where he collaborates with stakeholders to develop inclusive strategies for energy security and economic transformation.

Osa’s career began at Shell, where he held pivotal roles across Nigeria, the Netherlands, Gabon, and Russia. As Managing Director of Shell Gabon, he orchestrated a landmark business turnaround, leading to a seamless transition to new ownership and a 20% increase in operational efficiency. During his tenure as Vice President for HSSE Assurance & Reporting, he implemented Shell’s global safety protocols, reducing incident rates by 35% across more than 30 countries.

Since his appointment as CEO of Heirs Energies in 2021, Osa has spearheaded one of Africa’s most ambitious energy sector transformations. Under his leadership, the company has doubled hydrocarbon production at OML 17 to over 53,000 barrels per day, outpacing regional benchmarks by 40% through strategic asset optimization. He led the revitalization of over 40 dormant wells in under 18 months, setting a new industry standard for rapid production recovery. His leadership also drove the overhaul of terminal delivery rates from 3% to over 90%. In furthering Nigeria’s energy supply, he has expanded domestic gas supply by 300%, powering industries, five national power plants, and reaching over two million households.

A recognized thought leader, Osa has been instrumental in shaping conversations on energy sufficiency as the foundation for Africa’s economic growth, advocating for a pragmatic and inclusive energy mix that harnesses oil, gas, renewables, and emerging technologies. His vision emphasizes that Africa’s energy transition must be strategic and development-driven, ensuring that while cleaner energy solutions are integrated, they do not come at the cost of industrial progress and energy access. As a long-standing member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), he previously chaired the Nigerian SPE Council, launching initiatives that have helped bridge the skills gap for over 5,000 young African engineers.

Osa holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering from the University of Benin and is a certified reservoir engineer. His leadership ethos - rooted in precision, innovation, and collective impact - has galvanized Heirs Energies' strong workforce to deliver projects that align with Africa’s aspirations while addressing energy poverty. Under his stewardship, Heirs Energies has emerged as a blueprint for indigenous energy companies, demonstrating that Africa can sustainably harness its resources to fuel industrialization and equitable development.