The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has congratulated Chevron Nigeria Limited on the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well in the shallow offshore area of the western Niger Delta.
Chevron Nigeria Limited operates the asset under the NNPC Ltd/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture.
The Awodi-07 well was drilled as part of the Joint Venture’s strategy to further define and unlock hydrocarbon potential within its existing asset portfolio.
Drilling activities began in late November 2025 and were completed in mid-December 2025.
According to NNPC Ltd, the project was executed safely and efficiently, in full compliance with operational and regulatory requirements. After extensive testing, logging and data acquisition, the well was safely secured, marking the conclusion of the programme.
A press statement signed by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, and dated January 26, 2026, confirmed that the Awodi-07 well recorded significant hydrocarbon presence across multiple reservoir zones.
NNPC Ltd described the development as a major milestone for the Joint Venture, strengthening confidence in the asset and reinforcing the exploration prospects of the area.
The company noted that the results demonstrate the value of disciplined exploration, robust technical evaluation and strong operational collaboration between both partners.
Commenting on the achievement, NNPC Ltd Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, praised Chevron Nigeria Limited for its performance.
“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.
“This achievement aligns squarely with our strategic priorities of increasing production, enhancing national energy security, and delivering sustainable value for the Nigerian people,” he added.
Also reacting, Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Udy Ntia, said the discovery reflects the benefits of sustained collaboration and sector reforms.
“This discovery underscores the importance of disciplined exploration programmes, strong partnerships, and the positive impact of the reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act,” Ntia said.
“We look forward to working closely with Chevron Nigeria Limited to mature this opportunity and progress it towards timely development and monetisation,” he added.
NNPC Ltd explained that its partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited covers multiple oil and gas fields in the Niger Delta under a joint venture framework.
Under the agreement, Chevron holds a 40 per cent stake, while NNPC Ltd retains the remaining interest. The structure is designed to combine technical expertise, capital and operational capacity to accelerate resource development.
Through the Joint Venture, the partners aim to increase oil production to about 146,000 barrels per day, supporting government revenue, job creation and national energy supply.
