The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, Bayo Ojulari, has reacted to the discovery of a fresh oil well in the Niger Delta by Chevron Nigeria Limited. The oil find was made at the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta, under the NNPCL/Chevron Joint Venture.

Ojulari described the discovery as a major boost to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, saying it reflects the strength of the long-standing partnership between NNPCL and Chevron. He noted that the success of the Awodi-07 well supports the country’s drive to grow hydrocarbon reserves responsibly while increasing crude oil production and improving national energy security.

Also commenting on the development, NNPCL’s Executive Vice President, Upstream, Udy Ntia, said the discovery shows the value of strong collaboration, technical discipline and a stable operating environment. He added that the outcome highlights the positive impact of reforms under the Petroleum Industry Act and assured that NNPCL will work closely with Chevron to move the discovery towards development and monetisation.

NNPCL explained that drilling at the Awodi-07 well began in late November 2025 and was completed by mid-December 2025 in line with regulatory and safety standards. The results confirmed significant hydrocarbon deposits across several reservoir zones, raising confidence in the asset. The Joint Venture is targeting an increase in production to about 146,000 barrels per day, a move expected to boost government revenue, create jobs and strengthen Nigeria’s energy supply.