NNPC-Chevron JV Makes Major Oil Discovery In Meji NW-1 Well In Western Niger Delta

At a time some International Oil Companies (IOCs) are leaving the Niger Delta in their number in favour of deep-water opportunities in Nigeria, the NNPC Limited-Chevron Nigeria Limited Joint Venture (NNPC-CNL JV), on Friday, says it has made a groundbreaking discovery with the successful drilling of the Meji NW-1 well in the Western Niger Delta.

The ‘near-field discovery’ of the Meji NW-1 well in Petroleum Mining Lease (“PML”) 49 within the shallow offshore area of the Western Niger Delta, was recently converted to the PIA 2021 terms.
 
Olusoga Oduselu, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, who disclosed this in a statement made available to Journalists in Warri, commercial nerve centre of Delta State, said that the accomplishment is consistent with CNL’s intention to continue developing and growing its Nigerian resources. 

The Well which was spud on September 2, 2024, reached a total depth of 8,983ft measured on September 13, 2024 and encountered about 690ft of hydrocarbons within Miocene sands,  effectively appraising an extension of the Meji field. 

The Well operations were completed, and the rig left location on October 2, 2024, Chevron’s Oduselu added. 

“This accomplishment is consistent with CNL’s intention to continue developing and growing its Nigerian resources, including the onshore and shallow water areas”, the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, said in the statement.

According to him, the development supports Chevron’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”

He said that the NNPC-CNL JV would continue to collaborate with the Nigerian government and other stakeholders to support the development of the Nigerian oil and gas industry and the Nigerian economy in general.

Jim Swartz, Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited, had earlier expressed commitment of Chevron to Nigeria’s energy development. 

“CNL has operated in Nigeria for over 60 years, and we remain committed to supporting the country in developing its energy resources for the benefit of its people.”, he said.