Abstract: The Cretaceous sediments in the Anambra Basin (SE Nigeria) consist of a cyclic succession of coals, carbonaceous shales, silty shales and siltstones interpreted as deltaic deposits. The HI versus Tmax and HI versus OI diagrams were used in classifying the organic matter in the shale indicating the presence of Type III kerogen. Tmax values between 426 and 439ºC indicate that the shales are thermally immature to marginally mature with respect to petroleum generation. Hydrogen Index (HI) values range from 14.00 to 31.00mgHC/gTOC while S1 + S2 yields values ranging from 0.22 to 1.00mgHC/g rock, suggesting that the shale have gas generating potential. The TOC of shale samples of the studied Uturu locality ranges from 1.51 to 2.95%, an indication of a good to excellent source rock of terrestrially derived organic matter. The average oxygen index (OI) (8.00 mgCO2g-1TOC) suggest deposition in a shallow marine environment. Based on the kerogen type, shales from Uturu, Nkporo Formation have the capability of generating oil and gas if sufficient maturity attained since the studied area is part of active Cretaceous petroleum system in the Anambra Basin.