he Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has congratulated Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture, on the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta
The Awodi-07 well was drilled as part of the Joint Venture’s ongoing programme to further delineate and unlock hydrocarbon potential within its asset portfolio. Drilling began in late November 2025 and was completed by mid-December 2025. All operations were carried out safely and efficiently, fully complying with approved operational and regulatory standards. After comprehensive testing, logging, and data acquisition, the well was secured, bringing the programme to a successful conclusion.
Results from Awodi-07 are highly encouraging, confirming the presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones. The achievement marks a significant milestone for the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture, strengthening confidence in the underlying asset and reinforcing the prospectivity of the area. The well’s success further demonstrates the effectiveness of disciplined exploration, thorough technical evaluation, and strong operational collaboration between NNPC Ltd and Chevron Nigeria Limited.
Commenting on the accomplishment, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Bayo Ojulari, praised Chevron Nigeria Limited for its operational excellence, technical expertise, and consistent delivery of value.
“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. This achievement aligns squarely with our strategic priorities of increasing production, enhancing national energy security, and delivering sustainable value for the Nigerian people,” remarked Bayo Ojulari.
Speaking on the milestone, executive vice-president, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Udy Ntia, described the results as evidence of the benefits of sustained collaboration, technical rigour, and a stable, enabling operating environment.
“This discovery underscores the importance of disciplined exploration programmes, strong partnerships, and the positive impact of the reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act. We look forward to working closely with Chevron Nigeria Limited to mature this opportunity and progress it towards timely development and monetisation,” added Ntia.
NNPC Ltd and Chevron Nigeria Limited operate several oil and gas fields in Nigeria’s Niger Delta under a joint venture agreement. Chevron holds a 40% interest in the assets, while NNPC Ltd owns the remaining share. The partnership allows both companies to pool resources, technical expertise, and investment to develop Nigeria’s oil and gas resources efficiently.
Through this collaboration, the joint venture aims to increase oil production to approximately 146,000 barrels per day, supporting government revenue, creating jobs, and contributing to Nigeria’s energy supply.
