The account is being headed by John Waples, UK head of strategic communications, Ben Brewerton, managing director and Edward Westropp.

The Nigerian deal is Heritage’s first exposure to the country and increases the company’s production capacity significantly. The stake in the oilfields, known as OML 30, were sold by Shell, Total and ENI with the Nigerian state retaining a 55% majority share.

Heritage Oil is listed on the London Stock Exchange with a market capitalisation in the region of £300m. In addition to its new presence in Nigeria, the company has a exploration appraisal and development asset in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, as well as exploration assets in Malta, Tanzania, Mali, Pakistan, Libya and Republic of Congo.