The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well, a significant development in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta with a projected production capacity of 146,000 barrels per day.
The project was executed by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), the operator of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture. This venture operates under a partnership where NNPC Ltd holds a 60 percent stake, and Chevron holds 40 percent. The drilling of Awodi-07 is part of a broader strategy to identify and unlock hydrocarbon potential within the joint venture’s asset portfolio.
Operations on the well commenced in late November 2025 and were completed by mid-December 2025. According to a statement issued on Monday by NNPC Ltd’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, “the well was drilled safely and efficiently in compliance with all regulatory standards. Technical evaluations, including logging and data acquisition, confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones,” he said.
Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, praised Chevron for its technical competence and operational excellence. He noted that the achievement is a vital step toward boosting national energy security.
“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. This achievement aligns squarely with our strategic priorities of increasing production, enhancing national energy security, and delivering sustainable value for the Nigerian people,” Ojulari stated.
The Executive Vice President, Upstream, of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Udy Ntia, attributed the success to a combination of technical discipline and the favorable investment climate created by recent legislative changes.
“This discovery underscores the importance of disciplined exploration programmes, strong partnerships, and the positive impact of the reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act. We look forward to working closely with Chevron Nigeria Limited to mature this opportunity and progress it towards timely development and monetisation,” Ntia said.
The partners are now focused on moving the well toward full development. The addition of 146,000 barrels per day is expected to significantly support government revenue, enhance the domestic energy supply, and create employment opportunities within the Niger Delta region.
