The operator of the NNPC/CNL joint venture, Chevron Nigeria Limited, has successfully finished the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well, according to a statement released by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

The well is located in the shallow offshore area of the western Niger Delta, according to a statement released on Monday by NNPC spokesperson Andy Odeh.

As part of the Joint Venture's continuous efforts to further identify and develop hydrocarbon potential within its asset portfolio, the Awodi-07 well was drilled.

“Drilling operations commenced in late November 2025 and were concluded in mid-December 2025, with all activities executed safely, efficiently, and in strict compliance with approved operational and regulatory standards.

“Following the completion of comprehensive testing, logging, and data acquisition, the well was safely secured, bringing the programme to a successful close,” the company said.

According to NNPC, the well's results are very promising and confirm a significant presence of hydrocarbons in several reservoir zones.

According to the business, "this outcome represents a notable milestone for the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture, on strengthening confidence in the underlying asset and reinforcing the prospectivity of the area."

Awodi-07's achievement, according to NNPC, demonstrates the value of methodical exploration, thorough technical assessment, and a solid operational alliance between NNPC and its joint venture partner.

The statement said that through this collaboration, the partners aim to raise oil production to around 146,000 barrels per day (bpd), boosting government revenue, creating jobs, and strengthening the nation’s energy supply.

NNPC Group Chief Executive Officer Bayo Ojulari commended Chevron Nigeria Limited for its operational excellence, technical know-how, and reliable value delivery in his remarks regarding the milestone.

"The Awodi-07 well's success further demonstrates the NNPC Ltd/CNL Joint Venture's strength and our shared dedication to responsibly increasing Nigeria's hydrocarbon reserves."

"This accomplishment is in line with our strategic priorities of boosting production, improving national energy security, and providing sustainable value for the Nigerian people," he declared.

Also speaking on the achievement, NNPC’s Executive Vice-President of Upstream, Udy Ntia, said the Awodi-07 results clearly demonstrate the value of long-term collaboration, technical excellence, and a stable, supportive 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,” Ntia said.