Chevron Nigeria Limited has debunked an alleged involvement in oil theft in the Niger Delta region to hinder the growth of the country’s oil sector.

Chevron, in reaction to a  report allegedly attributed to the House of Representatives ad hoc committee set up to investigate crude oil theft, denied working with about ten oil companies to promote oil theft in the country.

Reiterating its support against oil theft, the company which is the operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited and CNL – NNPCL/CNL JV, described the report as “untrue, incorrect, and made without any basis.”

It made this known via a statement issued by its General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Esimaje Brikinn, on Saturday, September 9, 2023.

Brikinn further reiterated Chevron’s commitment to supporting the efforts to prevent oil theft and pipeline vandalism in its area of operation, saying: “CNL affirms illegal bunkering and oil theft in the Niger Delta region has negatively impacted CNL’s operation and has devastating effects on the nation’s economy and the environment in the Niger Delta region.

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“CNL continues to monitor the environment in its areas of operations and report any suspected illegal activity and breaches to the relevant Government Security Forces and regulatory agencies.

“CNL has helped in reducing pipeline vandalism and oil theft in Niger delta region by collaborating with communities around the areas of the company’s operations to set up the Community Pipeline and Facilities Surveillance Programme (CPFSP) in 2005.

“Through the CPFSP, CNL continues to tackle the challenge of oil theft and pipeline vandalism and engage the community youth in pipeline surveillance to reduce oil theft in CNL’s area of operation. CNL also deploys security surveillance equipment and other technologies in addition to physical water-borne patrols by the CPFSP and the government security forces.”

Brikinn noted that the company has been working with government agencies and others to prevent oil theft, saying its impact on the environment was recently commended by the Special Investigation Panel on Oil Theft/Losses in Nigeria set up by the Federal Government during a visit to CNL’s operations.

“CNL is committed to the highest ethical standards and business principles. CNL operates as a responsible company and conducts its business in full compliance with the law and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

“CNL will continue to work with the Nigerian government towards the development of the oil and gas industry and the Nigerian economy generally,” the General Manager added.

The Star