The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has confirmed a major oil discovery at the Awodi-07 well in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta. The well was drilled by Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) under the NNPC Ltd–CNL Joint Venture.
Drilling started in late November 2025 and was completed in mid-December 2025. Oil was encountered across multiple reservoir zones, and all operations were carried out safely and in compliance with regulatory standards.
NNPC Ltd said the discovery strengthens confidence in the asset and highlights the area’s exploration potential. Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group CEO of NNPC Ltd, praised Chevron Nigeria for operational excellence and said the find supports production growth, energy security, and national hydrocarbon reserves.
Udy Ntia, Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, added that the discovery demonstrates the value of disciplined exploration, strong technical collaboration, and the positive impact of the Petroleum Industry Act. He confirmed that the Joint Venture will now work to develop and monetize the discovery.
The NNPC Ltd–Chevron Nigeria Joint Venture operates several assets in the Niger Delta, with Chevron holding 40% and NNPC Ltd owning the remaining 60%.