By: ThinkBusiness Africa
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has announced on Monday a significant hydrocarbon discovery at the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well, marking a major boost for Nigeria’s offshore oil production.
According to a statement from NNPC, the discovery was made by the NNPC Ltd/Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) Joint Venture in the shallow offshore waters of the western Niger Delta.
Drilling operations for the Awodi-07 well commenced in late November 2025 and were concluded by mid-December 2025. NNPC said it confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones in the well, significantly strengthening confidence in the asset’s long-term potential.
Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, lauded Chevron for its technical excellence and operational discipline.
This discovery comes at a critical time for the Nigerian state owned oil company, which has set a conservative national production target of 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd) for 2026, with the goal of reaching 2 million bpd by 2027.
“The success of the Awodi-07 well further reinforces the strength of the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture,” Ojulari stated. “This achievement aligns squarely with our strategic priorities of increasing production, enhancing national energy security, and delivering sustainable value for the Nigerian people.”
The discovery is part of a broader strategic collaboration between NNPC Ltd and Chevron, where NNPC holds a 60% stake and Chevron holds 40%.
The partners are currently working to scale up oil production to approximately 146,000 barrels per day (bpd).
NNPC noted that this increased output is expected to: boost government revenue, stimulate the local economy through energy-sector employment, and ensure a stable supply of resources for domestic and international markets.
The Awodi-07 well has been safely secured following the completion of data acquisition and testing, as the Joint Venture prepares for the next phase of development.
