Efforts to grow Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves have received a significant boost following the confirmation of a hydrocarbon discovery at the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well by the NNPC Ltd/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta.
The well, operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited, was drilled as part of the joint venture’s ongoing exploration and appraisal programme aimed at further delineating reserves and unlocking additional hydrocarbon potential within its asset portfolio. Drilling operations commenced in late November 2025 and were completed in mid-December 2025.
According to a statement released, Monday afternoon in Abuja, by NNPC Ltd Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Mr. Andy Odeh, the drilling campaign was executed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with approved operational and regulatory requirements.
The operation was carried out under the oversight of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), in line with applicable upstream regulations.
Following the completion of drilling activities, the well underwent comprehensive logging, testing, and data acquisition to evaluate reservoir characteristics, after which it was safely secured.
Data obtained from the well is expected to be submitted to the NUPRC for detailed technical review as part of the post-drilling regulatory process.
NNPC Ltd said results from the Awodi-07 well confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones, describing the outcome as encouraging and a significant milestone for the joint venture.
The discovery strengthens confidence in the asset and further reinforces the prospectivity of the shallow offshore western Niger Delta.
In the statement, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, was reported to have said that the success of the Awodi-07 well highlights the strength of the partnership between NNPC Ltd and Chevron Nigeria Limited and supports national efforts to grow Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves.
Also commenting, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Udy Ntia, said the results demonstrate the importance of disciplined exploration programmes, sound technical evaluation, and sustained collaboration between joint venture partners.
Under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), discoveries such as Awodi-07 are expected to progress through a structured appraisal and development process, including further reservoir evaluation, submission of field development plans, and regulatory approvals from the NUPRC prior to any final investment decision.
Industry sources say the NNPC Ltd/Chevron Joint Venture is expected to review the Awodi-07 data to determine the scope of additional appraisal drilling and commercial viability.
Subject to regulatory approvals, the discovery could be matured towards development and eventual monetisation.
The NNPC Ltd/Chevron Joint Venture operates several onshore and offshore oil and gas assets in Nigeria’s Niger Delta under a joint venture arrangement in which Chevron holds a 40 per cent participating interest, while NNPC Ltd owns the remaining share.
The partners are targeting an increase in oil production to approximately 146,000 barrels per day, a move expected to support government revenue, job creation, and Nigeria’s energy supply.
