Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPC Ltd, has hailed Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, over the successful Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well, describing the outcome as a significant boost to Nigeria’s shallow offshore hydrocarbon prospects and joint venture production ambitions.
The Awodi-07 well, located in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta, was drilled under the NNPC Ltd/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture as part of ongoing efforts to further delineate and unlock hydrocarbon potential within the asset portfolio.
Drilling commenced in late November 2025 and was completed by mid-December 2025, with NNPC Ltd confirming that operations were carried out safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with approved regulatory and operational standards. Following testing, logging, and data acquisition, the well was safely secured.
According to NNPC Ltd, results from Awodi-07 are highly encouraging, confirming a significant presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones, and strengthening confidence in the prospectivity of the area.
Reacting to the development, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, commended Chevron Nigeria Limited for what he described as operational excellence and technical competence.
“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.”
Also speaking, Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Udy Ntia, said the Awodi-07 outcome validates the value of 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 stated.
“We look forward to working closely with Chevron Nigeria Limited to mature this opportunity and progress it towards timely development and monetisation.”
NNPC Ltd and Chevron Nigeria Limited operate several oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta under a joint venture arrangement in which Chevron holds 40 per cent interest, while NNPC Ltd retains the majority stake.
The partners have indicated that sustained exploration success, including Awodi-07, supports plans to raise joint venture oil production to about 146,000 barrels per day, with expected implications for government revenue, job creation, and national energy supply.
For the upstream sector, the Awodi-07 success reinforces the growing role of shallow offshore exploration in supporting Nigeria’s reserves replacement drive and long-term production sustainability.
