NNPC confirms successful new oil well discovery

NNPC Confirms Successful New Oil Well Discovery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced a significant milestone in the nation’s energy sector with the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta.

The discovery, made in partnership with Chevron Nigeria Limited under the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture, marks a major step in unlocking new hydrocarbon potential within Nigeria’s asset portfolio.

Drilling operations for the Awodi-07 well commenced in late November 2025 and concluded in mid-December 2025. According to NNPC Ltd, all activities were executed safely, efficiently, and in strict compliance with operational and regulatory standards.

Following comprehensive testing, logging, and data acquisition, the well was secured, confirming the presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones. This outcome has been described as a notable achievement that strengthens confidence in the asset and reinforces the prospectivity of the Niger Delta region.

In a press release signed by Andy Odeh, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, the company emphasized that the discovery highlights the effectiveness of disciplined exploration, sound technical evaluation, and strong operational collaboration between both partners.

Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Bashir Ojulari, commended Chevron Nigeria Limited for its performance, noting that the success of the Awodi-07 well reinforces the strength of the joint venture and aligns with NNPC’s strategic priorities of increasing production, enhancing national energy security, and delivering sustainable value for Nigerians.

Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Udy Ntia, further stressed that the results demonstrate the benefits of sustained collaboration and sector reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act.

He expressed optimism that the discovery would be matured towards timely development and monetisation, ensuring tangible benefits for the Nigerian economy.

The NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture operates several oil and gas fields in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, with Chevron holding a 40 percent interest and NNPC Ltd owning the remaining share. The partnership is structured to combine resources, expertise, and investment to develop Nigeria’s oil and gas resources.

Through this arrangement, the partners aim to increase oil production to about 146,000 barrels per day, supporting government revenue, job creation, and national energy supply.

This successful discovery represents more than just an operational triumph; it underscores Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to responsibly growing its hydrocarbon reserves while leveraging reforms and partnerships to secure energy sustainability for the future.