The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited has announced a major oil discovery in the Niger Delta, following the completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well.
According to NNPC, the well, operated in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) under a joint venture agreement, is located in the shallow offshore area of western Niger Delta. Drilling began in late November 2025 and concluded in mid-December 2025.
In a statement on Monday, NNPC spokesperson Andy Odeh described the results as “highly encouraging,” confirming the presence of substantial hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones.
“The Awodi-07 well represents a notable milestone for the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture, strengthening confidence in the underlying asset and reinforcing the prospectivity of the area,” the company said.
Chevron holds a 40% stake in the joint venture, while NNPC retains 60%. The partnership is designed to combine expertise, resources, and investment to maximise Nigeria’s oil and gas potential.
Commenting on the discovery, NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari commended Chevron for its technical expertise and operational excellence, noting that the success of Awodi-07 aligns with strategic priorities to boost production and enhance energy security.
Udy Ntia, Executive Vice-President for Upstream at NNPC, added that the results highlight the value of disciplined exploration, strong partnerships, and the reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act.
The companies said they will continue to collaborate on advancing the development and commercialisation of the newly discovered reserves.
