Jim Swartz – Chairman & Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria Limited
By Samuel Ogude
Chevron, a multinational oil and gas company in Nigeria said the successful appraisal and exploration of the Awodi‑07 well in the shallow offshore area within the western Niger Delta region does not only demonstrate the organization’s strength of exploration programme but collaboration with NNPCL, her senior partner, which has reinforced their commitment to sustaining production growth in the country.
In a press statement signed by Olusoga Oduselu, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer ,Nigeria/Mid-Africa Region of the organization and made available to newsmen, the well was spud on November 30, 2025, and got to a total depth of 12,420 ft MD / 11,303 ft TVD on December 16, 2025 and then, safely plugged and suspended following completion of wireline and fluid sampling operations on December 28, 2025.
The statement further said, the Awodi‑07 encountered approximately 675 feet of hydrocarbon pay, comprising which appraisal reservoirs: 310 feet, which was in line with pre‑drill expectations and therefore unlocking development potential and exploration targeted 365 feet across six hydrocarbon‑bearing sands.
According to the statement, in his remarks over the development, Jim Swartz, Chairman and Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria/Mid Africa Region, stressed the significance of this discovery saying the Awodi‑07 success demonstrates the strength of the exploration programme and the value of collaboration with organization’s senior partner, NNPCL as that has reinforced their commitment to sustaining production growth in the country.
On his part,Kevin McLachlan, Vice President – Exploration said the discovery became successful after two recent exploration successes in Nigeria since late 2024 adding all three discoveries complement the organization’s global exploration strategy to balance infrastructure to give room for growth and development in the oil and gas industry. Part of the statement reads:” The Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited/Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture (NNPCL/CNL JV) today announced the successful completion of the Awodi‑07 appraisal and exploration well in the shallow offshore area within the western Niger Delta region of Nigeria”.
According to the statement, this feet is inline with organization’s commitment to always develop and grow its hydrocarbon resources which include that of onshore and shallow water regions and supports organization’s broader global exploration strategy to find new resources that extend the life of producing assets in existing operating areas and deliver production with shorter development cycle times.
The organization said since it has been empowered by the Petroleum Industry Act and the ongoing industry reforms, it is committed to advancing exploration opportunities and converting new discoveries into value for Nigeria through technology, local partnerships, and disciplined development. Part of the statement reads:”We appreciate the partnership with NNPCL and the support of our regulators. The NNPCL/CNL JV will continue to collaborate closely with the regulators and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements”, the statement concluded.