By Francis Sadhere, Warri
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), the operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and CNL (NNPCL/CNL JV), has reaffirmed its dedication to the socio-economic development of communities surrounding its operations in Delta State.
This commitment was reiterated during a visit by CNL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Jim Swartz, to the Executive Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Francis Orohwedor Sheriff Oborevwori, at the Government House in Asaba on Tuesday, February 11, 2025.
Jim Swartz led a delegation from CNL, which included Segun Kuteyi, Director of the NNPCL/CNL Joint Venture; Olusoga Oduselu, General Manager of Policy, Government, and Public Affairs (PGPA); Momodu Rilwanu, Area Manager PGPA Field Operations; and Abimbola Olujide, Senior Government Affairs Advisor.
During the visit, Swartz commended the longstanding, cordial relationship between CNL and the government and people of Delta State, highlighting the company’s significant operational presence in the state, with a hub in Escravos and a logistics base in Warri.
He said that Chevron is proud to be the largest taxpayer in Delta State, a position the state government continues to recognize and commend.
“CNL has a proven track record of consistently meeting its tax obligations to Delta State, and we take pride in contributing to the state’s development,” Swartz stated.
“We also remain committed to empowering local communities and creating employment through various initiatives and developmental programs across the state.”
Swartz also outlined some of CNL’s social investments in Delta State, particularly through the company’s Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) and its partnership with the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND).
He pointed out that these programs play a crucial role in local content development, capacity building, and the economic empowerment of community contractors in the Niger Delta region.
“We have been operating in Nigeria for over six decades, and we remain committed to furthering the socio-economic development of the country, particularly in Delta State,” he added.
In his response, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori expressed satisfaction with the strong partnership between the state government and Chevron.
He commended the company’s contributions to the state and reiterated that the government would continue to foster a positive relationship between CNL and local communities to ensure the continued success of their collaborative efforts.
Olusoga Oduselu, General Manager of PGPA at Chevron, also highlighted the importance of maintaining this partnership to further the development of Delta State, focusing on mutual growth and continued progress in the region.
The visit underscored Chevron’s ongoing commitment to Nigeria’s development, particularly in the Niger Delta region, and reaffirmed its role as a responsible corporate entity dedicated to sustainable socio-economic growth.
