NNPC and Chevron Announce Major Oil Discovery in Niger Delta
Nigeria's oil production outlook has received a significant boost with the confirmation of a new oil well discovery by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL). The discovery, located in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta, is expected to support plans to increase crude oil production to approximately 146,000 barrels per day. This development is seen as crucial for enhancing government revenue and strengthening national energy security in Nigeria.
Awodi-07 Well Delivers Encouraging Results
The newly discovered well, known as the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well, has recorded highly encouraging results according to official statements. NNPC's Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, confirmed that drilling operations commenced in late November 2025 and were safely concluded in mid-December 2025. All activities were executed efficiently while maintaining strict compliance with approved operational and regulatory standards.
Following extensive testing, logging, and data acquisition processes, the well was safely secured, marking the successful completion of the drilling programme. Odeh emphasized that the results confirm a significant presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones, representing a key milestone for the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture.
Strategic Importance and Operational Excellence
Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, praised Chevron for its operational excellence and technical competence in achieving this discovery. He stated that the success of the Awodi-07 well reinforces the strength of the joint venture partnership and demonstrates their shared commitment to responsibly growing Nigeria's hydrocarbon reserves.
The discovery aligns perfectly with NNPC's strategic priorities of increasing production capacity, enhancing national energy security, and delivering sustainable value for the Nigerian people, Ojulari emphasized. He noted that this achievement highlights the effectiveness of disciplined exploration approaches combined with sound technical evaluation methodologies.
Petroleum Industry Act Reforms Boost Confidence
Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President of Upstream at NNPC Ltd, highlighted how the Awodi-07 results demonstrate the value of sustained collaboration, technical rigour, and a stable operating environment. He pointed out that the discovery underscores the positive impact of reforms introduced under Nigeria's Petroleum Industry Act, which has significantly improved investor confidence and operational efficiency within the country's oil and gas sector.
We look forward to working closely with Chevron Nigeria Limited to mature this opportunity and progress it toward timely development and monetization, Ntia stated. The reforms have created a more favourable environment for international partnerships and technological investments in Nigeria's energy sector.
Joint Venture Targets Production Increase
NNPC and Chevron operate several oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta under their joint venture arrangement, with Chevron holding a 40 percent stake and NNPC Ltd owning the remaining share. Through this strategic partnership, both companies aim to combine resources, expertise, and investment to achieve several objectives:
- Increase production to approximately 146,000 barrels per day
- Support government revenue generation efforts
- Create employment opportunities in the energy sector
- Contribute to Nigeria's long-term energy supply stability
The successful discovery comes at a time when Nigeria is actively working to boost its oil production capacity and strengthen its position in global energy markets. The Awodi-07 well represents not just a technical achievement but also a testament to the effectiveness of international partnerships in Nigeria's energy sector development.
