An evaluation of Maastrichtian-Paleocene source rock interval on the western flank of Niger Delta Basin, Nigeria: Implications for hydrocarbon prospectivity

Maastrichtian and Paleocene shales recovered from a vertical exploratory well on the western flank of Niger Delta Basin, close to boundary Dahomey (Benin) were studied for their possible contribution hydrocarbon potential basin. The organic matter richness, kerogen types, thermal maturity shale samples implications generation determined based results TOC/Rock-Eval analysis. are characterized by total carbon (TOC) values up 4.70 wt. % S2 (hydrocarbon-generating potential) range 0.68 2.69 mgHC/g rock, indicating poor fair source potential. presence type III IV is indicative poor-quality that has generate gaseous hydrocarbon. This study suggests rocks Basin immature early mature stage, could not have generated commercial amount