NNPC Announces Major Hydrocarbon Discovery in Western Niger Delta
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has officially confirmed the discovery of a substantial new oil well in the western Niger Delta region. This development represents a significant boost for Nigeria's energy sector and holds promising implications for national revenue generation.
Successful Exploration and Appraisal Operations
The discovery follows the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well, which was drilled in the shallow offshore area of the western Niger Delta. Chevron Nigeria Limited, operating under the NNPC Ltd/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture agreement, carried out the exploration activities.
Drilling operations commenced in late November 2025 and were safely concluded by mid-December 2025. According to NNPC Ltd, all activities were executed efficiently while maintaining strict compliance with approved operational and regulatory standards. Following comprehensive testing, logging, and data acquisition procedures, the well was properly secured, marking the completion of this drilling program.
Significant Hydrocarbon Presence Confirmed
In a press release dated January 26, 2026, and signed by Chief Corporate Communications Officer Andy Odeh, NNPC Ltd revealed that results from the Awodi-07 well confirmed a substantial presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones. The national oil company described this outcome as a major milestone for the Joint Venture partnership.
The discovery strengthens confidence in the asset's potential and reinforces the prospectivity of the surrounding area. This achievement highlights the effectiveness of disciplined exploration approaches, sound technical evaluation methodologies, and strong operational collaboration between the joint venture partners.
Leadership Perspectives on the Discovery
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Ojulari, commended Chevron Nigeria Limited for its performance, stating that the success of the Awodi-07 well reinforces the strength of their partnership and shared commitment to responsibly growing Nigeria's hydrocarbon reserves.
"This achievement aligns squarely with our strategic priorities of increasing production, enhancing national energy security, and delivering sustainable value for the Nigerian people," Ojulari emphasized.
Executive Vice President for Upstream at NNPC Ltd, Udy Ntia, added that the results demonstrate the benefits of sustained collaboration and sector reforms, noting that the discovery underscores the importance of disciplined exploration programs, strong partnerships, and the positive impact of reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act.
Joint Venture Structure and Objectives
Under the joint venture agreement covering several oil and gas fields in Nigeria's Niger Delta region, Chevron holds a 40 percent interest while NNPC Ltd owns the remaining 60 percent. This partnership structure combines resources, expertise, and investment to develop Nigeria's oil and gas resources effectively.
Through this collaboration, the partners aim to increase oil production to approximately 146,000 barrels per day, supporting government revenue streams, job creation initiatives, and national energy supply stability.
Broader Context of Nigeria's Energy Sector
This discovery comes at a time when Nigeria continues to implement measures to attract investment into its upstream petroleum sector. In related developments, the federal government has recently adjusted signature bonus requirements for oil licensing rounds, reducing barriers to entry for potential investors.
The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission confirmed updated pricing structures designed to stimulate fresh investment while maintaining regulatory oversight of the nation's valuable hydrocarbon resources.
