Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), the operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and CNL – NNPCL/CNL JV, has vehemently refuted allegations of being involved in crude oil theft within the Niger Delta creeks.
The allegations were made by an online media platform, which specifically mentioned Chevron and another international oil company (IOC) in a report attributed to the Chairman of the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating crude oil theft in the region.
In a signed statement released in Warri, Delta State, Esimaje Brikinn, CNL’s General Manager for Policy, Government, and Public Affairs, categorically denied the accusations, labeling them as “untrue, incorrect, and baseless.”
Brikinn highlighted CNL’s commitment to working with government agencies and other stakeholders to prevent oil theft and its detrimental impact on the environment. This commitment was recently praised by the Special Investigation Panel on Oil Theft/Losses in Nigeria, established by the Federal Government.
The statement reiterated Chevron’s dedication to supporting collaborative efforts aimed at preventing oil theft and pipeline vandalism in its operational areas. It emphasized that illegal bunkering and oil theft in the Niger Delta region have had negative consequences on CNL’s operations, the national economy, and the environment in the Niger Delta.
CNL pledged to continue monitoring its operational environment and reporting any suspected illegal activities to relevant government security forces and regulatory agencies.
Furthermore, the statement highlighted CNL’s proactive approach to addressing pipeline vandalism and oil theft by establishing the Community Pipeline and Facilities Surveillance Programme (CPFSP) in 2005.
Through this program, CNL collaborates with local communities to engage youths in pipeline surveillance, reducing oil theft in its operational areas. Additionally, CNL employs security surveillance equipment and technology alongside physical waterborne patrols by the CPFSP and government security forces.
The statement underlined CNL’s commitment to upholding the highest ethical and business standards while operating responsibly and in full compliance with the law. CNL affirmed its dedication to collaborating with the Nigerian government to support the development of the oil and gas industry and the broader Nigerian economy.
