Amanze Chinonye
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has hailed Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) for the successful completion of the Awodi‑07 appraisal and exploration well in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta, Prime Business Africa reports.
The well, drilled as part of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture, commenced operations in late November 2025 and concluded by mid-December 2025. According to NNPC Ltd, all activities were executed safely and in strict compliance with operational and regulatory standards.
Preliminary results from Awodi‑07 indicate a significant presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones, with early reports suggesting around 675 feet of hydrocarbon pay. The discovery is described by the companies as a milestone for the joint venture, reinforcing confidence in the area’s resource potential.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Awodi‑07 well is part of a broader strategy by Chevron and NNPC Ltd to unlock and develop Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves, especially in the western Niger Delta, where Chevron has operated multiple offshore and shallow water fields for decades. The success comes amid renewed exploration activity in Nigeria, supported by reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which aims to attract investment, modernize joint ventures, and strengthen regulatory oversight.
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Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, commended Chevron for its operational excellence and technical expertise. He said, “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.”
Also commenting, Mr. Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, highlighted the role of collaboration and technical rigor in the discovery. “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 said.
Under the joint venture, Chevron holds a 40 per cent stake in the assets, while NNPC Ltd retains the remaining share. The partnership combines technical expertise, capital, and local licensing authority to increase oil production to around 146,000 barrels per day, a move expected to support government revenue, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s energy supply.
The Awodi‑07 discovery is also part of a broader push to balance near-field development of existing assets with new exploration opportunities, signaling renewed confidence in Nigeria’s offshore and shallow water sectors after years of stagnation. Experts say discoveries like this, coupled with a more stable operating environment, could help Nigeria maintain its position as one of Africa’s leading oil producers.
This latest milestone underscores the value of strategic partnerships, disciplined exploration, and regulatory reforms, positioning the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture to unlock further opportunities in the Niger Delta and deliver long-term benefits to the Nigerian economy.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
