General News
NNPC, CHEVRON RECORD MAJOR OIL DISCOVERY AT AWODI-07 WELL
Efforts to boost Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves have received a significant lift following the confirmation of a hydrocarbon discovery at the Awodi-07 appraisal and exploration well by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) and Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture in the shallow offshore western Niger Delta.
The discovery was announced in a statement released on Monday afternoon in Abuja by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd, Mr. Andy Odeh.
According to the statement, the Awodi-07 well, operated by Chevron Nigeria Limited, was drilled as part of the joint venture’s ongoing exploration and appraisal programme aimed at further delineating reserves and unlocking additional hydrocarbon potential across its asset portfolio.
Drilling operations commenced in late November 2025 and were successfully completed in mid-December 2025.
NNPC Ltd noted that the drilling campaign was carried out safely and efficiently, in full compliance with approved operational procedures and regulatory requirements.
The operation was conducted under the oversight of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), in line with applicable upstream petroleum regulations.
Following the completion of drilling activities, the well underwent comprehensive logging, testing, and data acquisition to evaluate reservoir characteristics.
After these processes, the well was safely secured.NNPC Ltd said data obtained from the Awodi-07 well would be submitted to the NUPRC for detailed technical review as part of the post-drilling regulatory process.
Results from the well confirmed the presence of hydrocarbons across multiple reservoir zones, which the company described as encouraging and a significant milestone for the joint venture.
The discovery further strengthens confidence in the asset and reinforces the prospectivity of the shallow offshore western Niger Delta.
Commenting on the development, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said the success of the Awodi-07 well underscores the strength of the partnership between NNPC Ltd and Chevron Nigeria Limited and aligns with national efforts to grow Nigeria’s hydrocarbon reserves.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice President, Upstream, NNPC Ltd, Mr. Udy Ntia, said the results demonstrate the importance of disciplined exploration programmes, sound technical evaluation, and sustained collaboration between joint venture partners.
Under the provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), discoveries such as Awodi-07 are required to progress through a structured appraisal and development process.
This includes further reservoir evaluation, submission of field development plans, and securing regulatory approvals from the NUPRC before any final investment decision is made.
Industry sources disclosed that the NNPC Ltd/Chevron Joint Venture is expected to review data from the Awodi-07 well to determine the scope of additional appraisal drilling and assess its commercial viability.
Subject to regulatory approvals, the discovery could be matured towards full-scale development and eventual monetisation.
The NNPC Ltd/Chevron Joint Venture operates several onshore and offshore oil and gas assets in Nigeria’s Niger Delta under a joint venture arrangement in which Chevron holds a 40 per cent participating interest, while NNPC Ltd owns the remaining 60 per cent.
The partners are targeting an increase in oil production to approximately 146,000 barrels per day, a development expected to support government revenue, job creation, and Nigeria’s energy supply.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.