FORAMINIFERA BIOSTRATIGRAPHY OF WELL GO, NIGER DELTA, SOUTHERN NIGERIA

ABSTRACT This research focuses on the Foraminiferal Biostratigraphy of Well GO, Niger Delta, Southern Nigeria, with the aim of determining its age, depositional environment, and stratigraphic significance. Twenty ditch-cutting samples, collected between 8,040 ft and 8,610 ft, were processed using standard micropaleontological techniques. Lithologic analysis revealed alternating shale and siltstone units, representing shifts between low-energy marine and higher-energy continental environments. Foraminiferal studies identified diverse benthic and planktonic species, including Uvigerina subperegrina, Bolivina beyrichi, Ammobaculites strathearnensis, and Praeorbulina sicana. Correlation with the Blow (1979) planktonic foraminiferal zonation scheme indicates that the sediments are of Early to Middle Miocene age. Paleoenvironmental interpretations show deposition mainly within middle to outer neritic settings, occasionally extending into upper bathyal zones, suggesting fluctuating marine conditions influenced by sea-level changes. The integration of foraminiferal and lithologic data confirms that the studied interval belongs to the Agbada Formation, characterized by alternating reservoir (siltstone) and seal (shale) units. These findings highlight the importance of foraminiferal biostratigraphy in age determination, environmental reconstruction, and hydrocarbon evaluation within the Niger Delta Basin. The study provides essential information for stratigraphic correlation and supports ongoing exploration and geological interpretation efforts in Southern Nigeria.