The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has confirmed the successful completion of an appraisal and exploration well by Chevron Nigeria Limited in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta.

In a statement issued on Monday, NNPC Ltd said the Awodi-07 well, operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited under the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture, confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones following drilling and testing activities.

The well was drilled as part of efforts to further assess hydrocarbon potential within the Joint Venture’s asset portfolio. Drilling commenced in late November 2025 and was completed in mid-December 2025.

NNPC Ltd said all drilling, testing and data acquisition activities were carried out in line with approved operational and regulatory standards, adding that the well was safely secured after completion of the programme.

The company said the results reinforced confidence in the asset and reflected the effectiveness of collaboration between both partners.

Commenting on the development, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said the outcome supported the Joint Venture’s objectives.

“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,” Ojulari said.

“This achievement aligns squarely with our strategic priorities of increasing production, enhancing national energy security, and delivering sustainable value for the Nigerian people,” he added.

Also speaking, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr Udy Ntia, said the discovery reflected the impact of collaboration and sector reforms.

“This discovery underscores the importance of disciplined exploration programmes, strong partnerships, and the positive impact of the reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act,” Ntia said.

“We look forward to working closely with Chevron Nigeria Limited to mature this opportunity and progress it towards timely development and monetisation,” he added.

NNPC Ltd said the joint venture agreement with Chevron Nigeria Limited covers several oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta, with Chevron holding a 40 per cent stake and NNPC Ltd retaining the remaining interest.

The partners aim to increase oil production to about 146,000 barrels per day under the arrangement to support government revenue, employment and national energy supply.