NNPC Ltd commends Chevron over successful hydrocarbon discovery in Niger Delta

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) has commended Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) for the successful completion of the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta.

In a statement dated January 26, 2026, NNPC Ltd’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Andy Odeh, noted that drilling commenced in late November 2025 and concluded safely in mid-December, in compliance with regulatory standards.

Comprehensive testing confirmed a significant presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones, reinforcing the area’s prospectivity.

Odeh stated the discovery reflects effective exploration, technical evaluation, and strong collaboration between the joint venture partners.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, praised Chevron’s operational excellence, adding that the success strengthens the joint venture’s commitment to responsibly growing Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves and aligns with strategic goals of increasing production and enhancing energy security.

The Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Udy Ntia, described the results as proof of the value of sustained collaboration and technical rigour, highlighting the positive impact of reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act.

He noted NNPC Ltd looks forward to working with Chevron to advance the project toward development.

The joint venture operates with Chevron holding 40% equity and NNPC Ltd the remainder. The partnership aims to boost production to approximately 146,000 barrels per day, support government revenue, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s energy supply. NNPC Ltd reaffirmed its commitment to strategic partnerships that promote growth and long-term value in the sector.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled:  Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

See author's posts