|By Babatunji Wusu
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has applauded Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) over the discovery of a new oil well in the Niger Delta, describing the development as a major boost to Nigeria’s hydrocarbon growth drive.
The oil find was recorded at the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta. The well is operated by Chevron under the NNPCL/CNL Joint Venture.
NNPCL’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, said the discovery highlights the strength of the long-standing partnership between NNPCL and Chevron and reinforces their shared commitment to expanding Nigeria’s oil and gas reserves responsibly.
Ojulari noted that the success of the Awodi-07 well aligns with NNPCL’s strategic priorities of ramping up production, strengthening national energy security, and delivering sustainable value to Nigerians.
“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,” he said.
Also reacting, NNPCL’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy Ntia, described the discovery as clear evidence of the gains from sustained collaboration, technical discipline, and a stable operating environment.
Ntia said the outcome underscores the importance of disciplined exploration programmes, strong partnerships, and the positive impact of reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act. He added that NNPCL is committed to working closely with Chevron to move the discovery swiftly toward development and monetisation.
According to NNPCL, the Awodi-07 well was drilled as part of the Joint Venture’s ongoing efforts to further delineate and unlock hydrocarbon potential within its asset portfolio. Drilling commenced in late November 2025 and was completed by mid-December 2025, with operations carried out safely and in full compliance with regulatory and operational standards.
Preliminary results from the well confirmed a significant presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones, a development expected to boost confidence in the asset and further validate the area’s prospectivity.
NNPCL disclosed that the Joint Venture is targeting an increase in oil production to about 146,000 barrels per day, a move expected to raise government revenue, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s overall energy supply.
