The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced a major breakthrough in the country’s upstream sector with the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta. The discovery underscores the growing potential of Nigeria’s hydrocarbon assets and strengthens the confidence of investors in the nation’s oil exploration landscape.
Drilled under the NNPC Ltd/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture, the Awodi-07 well was designed to further delineate reserves and unlock commercial hydrocarbon potential. Drilling commenced in late November 2025 and was completed by mid-December 2025, with all operations conducted safely, efficiently, and in compliance with regulatory standards.
Significant Hydrocarbon Potential Confirmed
According to NNPC Ltd, testing, logging, and data analysis confirmed a substantial presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones, marking the well as a critical milestone for the Joint Venture. The outcome demonstrates the value of disciplined exploration programmes, robust technical evaluation, and seamless collaboration between NNPC Ltd and Chevron Nigeria Ltd.
Group Chief Executive Officer, Bashir Ojulari, lauded the discovery, describing it as a reinforcement of the Joint Venture’s strategic objectives. “The success of Awodi-07 strengthens our commitment to growing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves responsibly,” Ojulari said. He added that the achievement aligns with national priorities to enhance energy security, increase production, and deliver sustainable value to Nigerians.
Sector Reforms Driving Exploration Success
Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr Udy Ntia, highlighted that the result reflects the positive impact of the Petroleum Industry Act reforms and sustained sector collaboration. “This discovery underscores the importance of disciplined exploration, strategic partnerships, and consistent application of reforms in the oil and gas industry,” Ntia said.
The joint venture operates several oil and gas fields in the Niger Delta, with Chevron holding a 40% stake and NNPC Ltd retaining 60%. The partners aim to increase production to approximately 146,000 barrels per day, contributing significantly to government revenue, job creation, and national energy supply.
Indigenous Capacity and Future Development
NNPC Ltd emphasised that the discovery also showcases Nigeria’s technical and operational capability to manage complex offshore assets. The company plans to mature the Awodi-07 opportunity towards development and monetisation, ensuring it supports both domestic energy needs and export potential.
“This milestone is not just about reserves; it is about demonstrating that Nigerian operators can effectively and safely expand hydrocarbon production,” Ojulari added. With continued collaboration, strategic investments, and adherence to operational best practices, the Awodi-07 discovery positions Nigeria to consolidate its leadership in West African oil production.
