NNPC Hails Chevron’s Awodi-07 Discovery as Major Offshore Boost

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has officially endorsed the successful appraisal and exploration of the Awodi-07 well by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), describing the discovery as a major boost to Nigeria’s offshore hydrocarbon potential and long-term energy security.
The endorsement was conveyed by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, who confirmed that the development aligns with the company’s strategic objectives and reflects the strength of its joint venture operations with international partners.
The Awodi-07 well, operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited under the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture, is located in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta. The well was drilled as part of ongoing efforts to further delineate reserves and unlock additional value from the Joint Venture’s asset portfolio.
Drilling activities commenced in late November 2025 and were successfully completed by mid-December 2025. NNPC Ltd stated that the operation was executed safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with all regulatory and operational standards. Following comprehensive testing, logging, and data acquisition, the well was securely sealed, bringing the programme to a successful close.
Results from the Awodi-07 well have been described as highly encouraging, confirming the presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones. The outcome significantly strengthens confidence in the asset and reinforces the prospectivity of the shallow offshore western Niger Delta, an area considered critical to Nigeria’s future production growth.
NNPC Ltd noted that the success of the well underscores the value of disciplined exploration, strong technical evaluation, and effective collaboration between the national oil company and its Joint Venture partner.
Commenting on the development, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, praised Chevron Nigeria Limited for its operational excellence and technical competence.
“The success of the Awodi-07 well reinforces the strength of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture and our shared commitment to responsibly growing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves,” Ojulari said. “This achievement aligns squarely with our strategic priorities of increasing production, enhancing national energy security, and delivering sustainable value for Nigerians.”
Also speaking on the milestone, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Udy Ntia, described the results as evidence of the benefits of sustained collaboration and a stable, enabling operating environment.
“This discovery highlights the importance of disciplined exploration programmes, strong partnerships, and the positive impact of the reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act,” Ntia noted. “We look forward to working closely with Chevron Nigeria Limited to mature this opportunity and advance it towards timely development and monetisation.”
NNPC Ltd and Chevron Nigeria Limited operate several oil and gas assets in Nigeria’s Niger Delta under a long-standing joint venture arrangement, in which Chevron holds a 40 per cent interest while NNPC Ltd retains the remaining stake. The partnership enables both companies to combine resources, expertise, and investment to develop Nigeria’s hydrocarbon resources more efficiently.
Through this collaboration, the Joint Venture targets oil production of approximately 146,000 barrels per day, supporting government revenue, job creation, and the nation’s energy supply.
Endorsing the publication of the development, Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, stated that the Awodi-07 success reflects NNPC Ltd’s renewed focus on transparency, value creation, and strategic partnerships that advance Nigeria’s energy agenda.

NNPC Ltd has endorsed Chevron Nigeria Limited’s successful Awodi-07 offshore discovery, describing it as a major boost to Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves, energy security, and upstream oil growth under the Petroleum Industry Act.