Trending 
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has commended Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) following the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta, describing the outcome as a significant boost to confidence in the Joint Venture’s asset portfolio.
Drilled between late November and mid-December 2025, the Awodi-07 well formed part of ongoing efforts by the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture to further define and unlock hydrocarbon potential within the area. According to NNPC Ltd, drilling, testing, logging and data acquisition were completed safely and in full compliance with regulatory standards before the well was secured.
Results from the exercise have confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones, a development the company described as a notable milestone for the partnership and for Nigeria’s upstream exploration drive.
Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari praised Chevron for what he called its operational excellence and technical competence.
“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,” he said.
“This achievement aligns squarely with our strategic priorities of increasing production, enhancing national energy security, and delivering sustainable value for the Nigerian people.”
Executive Vice President, Upstream, Mr Udy Ntia, said the results demonstrated the value of sustained collaboration and a stable operating environment.
“This discovery underscores the importance of disciplined exploration programmes, strong partnerships, and the positive impact of the reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act,” he noted.
Under the joint venture arrangement, Chevron holds a 40 per cent stake while NNPC Ltd retains the majority share. Both companies aim to increase production to about 146,000 barrels per day, supporting revenue, jobs and national energy supply.
