KEY POINTS
- NNPC confirmed hydrocarbons at the Awodi-07 well.
- Drilling ended in December after safe operations.
- The Awodi-07 well supports Nigeria’s production growth plans.
Nigeria’s state oil company said Chevron Nigeria Limited has successfully completed drilling and appraisal work at the Awodi-07 well, confirming hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta.
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) disclosed the results in a statement dated Jan. 26, 2026, describing the outcome as a significant milestone for its joint venture with Chevron. The partners operate the asset under the NNPC Ltd–Chevron Nigeria Limited joint venture framework.
Drilling at the Awodi-07 well began in late November 2025 and concluded in mid-December. NNPC said operations were executed safely and in line with approved regulatory and operational standards. Furthermore after testing, logging and data acquisition, the well was secured, bringing the programme to a close.
Awodi-07 well strengthens joint venture prospects
NNPC said results from the Awodi-07 well validated the prospectivity of the area and strengthened confidence in the underlying asset. The company also attributed the outcome to disciplined exploration, detailed technical evaluation and close operational collaboration between both partners.
“This success further reinforces the strength of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture and our shared commitment to responsibly growing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves,” Group Chief Executive Officer Bashir Ojulari said. He added that the discovery aligns with strategic priorities to boost production, improve energy security and deliver long-term value to the Nigerian economy.
The Awodi-07 well forms part of the joint venture’s broader efforts to delineate and unlock additional hydrocarbon potential across its offshore portfolio. Therefore NNPC said the results provide a clearer technical basis for future development planning within the acreage.
Awodi-07 well supports upstream growth strategy
Executive Vice President for Upstream at NNPC Ltd, Udy Ntia, said the discovery highlighted the benefits of sustained partnerships and sector reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act. “This underscores the importance of disciplined exploration programmes and the positive impact of recent reforms,” Ntia said, adding that both parties would work toward timely development and monetisation.
Chevron Nigeria Limited and NNPC Ltd jointly operate several oil and gas fields in the Niger Delta under a long-standing agreement. Chevron holds a 40 percent participating interest, while NNPC Ltd owns the remaining 60 percent.
Through the joint venture, the partners further aim to lift crude output to about 146,000 barrels per day, supporting government revenue, employment and domestic energy supply. NNPC said further technical work would guide next steps as the Awodi-07 well moves from appraisal toward potential development.
