NNPC, Chevron Confirm Awodi-07 Oil Discovery in Niger Delta

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) announced the discovery of a new oil well, Awodi-07, in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta, marking a significant milestone for the country’s hydrocarbon sector. The well was drilled by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) under the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture, the company said in a statement Monday.
“The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited congratulates Chevron Nigeria Limited on the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well,” the statement read. “This achievement highlights the joint venture’s ongoing efforts to delineate and unlock hydrocarbon potential across its asset portfolio.”
Drilling commenced in late November 2025 and concluded in mid-December 2025. According to NNPC, all drilling, testing, and data acquisition activities were carried out safely and efficiently, in compliance with approved operational and regulatory standards. Following comprehensive testing and logging, the well was secured, and results were described as highly encouraging, confirming significant hydrocarbon presence across multiple reservoir zones.
The discovery underscores the federal government’s continued focus on leveraging Nigeria’s oil and gas resources to drive economic growth and national development. Despite longstanding environmental and social challenges in oil-producing communities, crude oil remains central to Nigeria’s economy, providing revenue and employment while sustaining energy supply.
NNPC and industry stakeholders have highlighted that, while Nigeria has pledged under international agreements to gradually transition from fossil fuels, investment in oil and gas remains critical to stabilizing the national economy. Recent reforms, including the Petroleum Industry Act and the Energy Transition Plan, aim to enhance efficiency, attract investment, expand energy access, and support a gradual shift to cleaner energy sources.
Under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, these initiatives have spurred renewed investor confidence. Delegations from Chevron, Shell, and other energy firms have engaged with government officials, signaling intent to expand operations in Nigeria. Last week, Shell CEO Wael Sawan reaffirmed the company’s readiness to invest heavily in the country, citing policy stability and a more favorable investment climate.
The Awodi-07 discovery adds to Nigeria’s substantial untapped oil reserves. The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) reported in 2021 that of approximately 7,000 discovered reserves, only 1,700 were actively producing crude. The regulator noted that bringing additional reserves online is key to reaching the government’s 40-billion-barrel target.
Current crude production stands at roughly 1.4 million barrels per day, below Nigeria’s 3-million-barrel capacity, largely due to production cuts recommended by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). NNPC said the Awodi-07 results strengthen confidence in the joint venture’s assets and reinforce the prospectivity of the surrounding region.
“The success of Awodi-07 highlights the effectiveness of disciplined exploration, sound technical evaluation, and strong operational collaboration between NNPC Ltd and Chevron Nigeria Limited,” NNPC said.
NNPC Group CEO Bashir Bayo Ojulari praised Chevron for its operational and technical performance, emphasizing that the discovery aligns with the company’s strategic goals of increasing production, enhancing energy security, and delivering sustainable value. Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President of Upstream, described the results as evidence of the benefits of sustained collaboration and technical rigor, noting that the joint venture would work to mature the opportunity for timely development and monetization.
Under the NNPC/CNL arrangement, Chevron holds a 40% stake while NNPC retains the remaining 60%. The partnership manages multiple oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta, with a production target of approximately 146,000 barrels per day. The joint venture is expected to support government revenue, create jobs, and ensure consistent national energy supply.
Industry analysts say the discovery demonstrates the importance of disciplined exploration programs and effective joint venture management in expanding Nigeria’s oil production potential. The Awodi-07 well is expected to contribute to meeting domestic energy needs while reinforcing Nigeria’s position in global energy markets.
With strategic reforms and continued investment from international partners, Nigeria’s oil sector remains a cornerstone of national development, even as the country balances the transition to cleaner energy sources.