Chevron-hits-fresh-oil-pay-in-Nigerias-Niger-Delta

Chevron and NNPCL hit fresh oil pay in Nigeria’s Niger Delta

LAGOS, January 26, 2026 – Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited and Chevron Nigeria Limited, through their joint venture NNPCL/CNL JV, have made an oil discovery in the Awodi-07 offshore well in Nigeria’s Niger Delta, the companies announced on Friday.

The Awodi-07 exploration well reached a total depth of 3,786 metres on December 16, 2025, and has been plugged and suspended after wireline and fluid sampling were completed on December 28. Results show 94.5 metres of appraisal reservoirs and 111.3 metres across hydrocarbon-bearing exporation sands.

“This discovery comes after two recent exploration successes in Nigeria since late 2024. All three discoveries complement Chevron’s global exploration strategy to balance infrastructure-enabled and frontier activity,” said Kevin McLachlan, Chevron’s vice-president of exploration.

Chevron said the outcome aligns with its strategy to continue exploring onshore and shallow-water regions in Nigeria and globally to extend the life of producing assets and obtain production increases with relatively short development timelines.

The joint venture partners highlighted the support received from Nigerian regulators and the positive impact of reforms enabled by the 2021 Petroleum Industry Act, which aimed to improve Nigeria’s investment appeal by streamlining regulatory processes and fiscal terms for oil and gas operators in the country.

“The success of the Awodi-07 well further reinforces the strength of the NNPCL/CNL JV 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,” said Bashir Bayo Ojulari, Group CEO of NNPCL.

Through its joint venture with NNPCL, Chevron is one of Nigeria’s top oil producers. It is active both onshore and offshore, and engages in upstream exploration and production, natural gas monetisation and infrastructure development.

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