NNPC and Chevron Announce New Oil Discovery in Niger Delta
NNPC and Chevron Announce New Oil Discovery in Niger Delta. In a significant development for Nigeria’s energy sector, the NNPC oil discovery in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta has been officially confirmed. Announced on January 26, 2026, the breakthrough involves the Awodi 07 appraisal and exploration well, a joint venture project between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and Chevron Nigeria Limited.
This discovery is expected to play a central role in the joint venture’s goal of increasing crude oil production to around 146,000 barrels per day, boosting government revenue and strengthening national energy security.
Drilling for Awodi 07 began in late November 2025 and was completed by mid-December 2025, with operations conducted under strict safety and regulatory standards. Subsequent testing and data analysis confirmed significant hydrocarbon deposits across multiple reservoir zones. The results reinforce the prospectivity of the western Niger Delta, enhancing investor confidence in Nigeria’s upstream oil assets and showcasing the region’s continued potential despite recent onshore divestments by some international oil companies.
The success of Awodi 07 is both a technical and strategic achievement, aligning with reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act. Key benefits of the discovery include increased production capacity to meet OPEC quotas, higher foreign exchange earnings, expanded economic opportunities, and strengthened energy security through a steady supply of crude for both domestic refining and export markets. The development is also expected to create high-skilled jobs for Nigerian engineers and local contractors, further contributing to national economic growth.
Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, praised the technical expertise and operational excellence demonstrated during the project, emphasizing the partnership’s commitment to responsibly growing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves. Executive Vice President of Upstream, Udy Ntia, added that the encouraging results from Awodi 07 highlight the positive impact of a stable and enabling operating environment on exploration success.
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As NNPC and Chevron move toward the timely development and monetization of this new resource, disciplined exploration and technical precision remain a priority. The Awodi 07 discovery signals a promising future for the western Niger Delta, reaffirming the region’s status as a premier destination for hydrocarbon investment and promising renewed economic hope for Nigeria.