Nigeria’s push to raise crude oil production to an ambitious three million barrels per day has received a fresh boost following the successful Awodi-07 discovery by Chevron Nigeria Limited ,CNL.
In a statement on Monday, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited,NNPCL, Limited congratulated Chevron Nigeria Limited ,CNL, operator of the NNPC Limited/CNL Joint Venture, on the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well located in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta.
Drilling activities, which ran from late November to mid-December 2025, were completed safely and in line with regulatory and operational standards. The encouraging results reinforce confidence in the asset’s potential and strengthen the reserve base required to support Nigeria’s long-term production growth ambitions.
“Results from the well are highly encouraging, confirming a significant presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones”, the statement signed by Mr Andy Odeh, NNPC’s Communications Officer said.
Commenting on the achievement, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC, Mr Bayo Ojulari, commended Chevron Nigeria Limited for its operational excellence, technical competence, and consistent delivery of value.
“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”, he said.
Also speaking on the milestone, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr Udy Ntia, described the Awodi-07 results as a clear demonstration of the value of sustained collaboration, technical rigour, and a stable, enabling operating environment.
“This discovery underscores the importance of disciplined exploration programmes, strong partnerships, and the positive impact of the reforms introduced under the Petroleum Industry Act. We look forward to working closely with Chevron Nigeria Limited to mature this opportunity and progress it towards timely development and monetisation”, he added.
The state oil company and and Chevron Nigeria work together under a joint venture agreement to operate several oil and gas fields in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. In this partnership, Chevron owns 40 per cent of the assets, while NNPC Limited holds the remaining share. The arrangement allows both companies to combine resources, expertise, and investment to develop Nigeria’s oil and gas resources more effectively.
Through this collaboration, both aim to increase oil production to about 146,000 barrels per day, which would support government revenue, create jobs, and contribute to the country’s energy supply.
For Nigeria, which has consistently stated its intention to ramp up output to three million barrels per day in the medium term, discoveries such as Awodi-07 are critical. Beyond adding to proven reserves, they provide a pathway to new developments that can offset natural decline from mature fields.
