NNPC, Chevron Record Hydrocarbon Discovery at Awodi-07 Well in Niger Delta
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta, confirming a significant presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones.
The well, operated under the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture, was drilled as part of ongoing efforts to unlock hydrocarbon potential within the partnership’s asset portfolio. Drilling began in late November 2025 and was concluded in mid-December 2025.
NNPC Ltd said operations were carried out safely and in compliance with approved operational and regulatory standards, following which testing, logging, and data acquisition were completed and the well was secured.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, described the outcome as a major milestone for the joint venture, noting that it reinforces confidence in the asset’s prospectivity and supports Nigeria’s drive to grow hydrocarbon reserves.
“The success of the Awodi-07 well further reinforces the strength of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture and our shared commitment to responsibly growing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves,” Ojulari said, adding that the discovery aligns with national priorities of increasing production, enhancing energy security, and delivering sustainable value to Nigerians.
Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Udy Ntia, said the results demonstrate the benefits of sustained collaboration, technical rigour, and a stable operating environment.
He noted that the discovery also reflects the positive impact of reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act.
“This discovery underscores the importance of disciplined exploration programmes and strong partnerships. We look forward to working closely with Chevron Nigeria Limited to mature this opportunity and progress it towards timely development and monetisation,” Ntia stated.
NNPC Ltd and Chevron Nigeria Limited operate several oil and gas fields in the Niger Delta under a joint venture arrangement in which Chevron holds 40 per cent equity while NNPC Ltd holds 60 per cent. The partnership aims to increase oil production to about 146,000 barrels per day, supporting government revenue, job creation, and national energy supply.
