NNPC/Chevron Seeks for More Understanding From Community Stakeholders

Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, has sought for more cooperation from its community stakeholders in its operations in Niger Delta.

Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA) of CNL made this call on Tuesday during the 10th Annual General Meeting of Egbema Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF) at the EGCDF secretariat, Effurun near Warri. "This is a tough time for the Oil and Gas industry globally. Nevertheless, Chevron takes its role as a corporate citizen in Nigeria seriously and remain active in many projects that promote health, education and economic development.” "We seek more cooperation from all stakeholders as the company takes steps to ensure the sustainability of the business in the face of the current business challenges," he said.

Brikinn, who was represented by Mr. Sam Daibo, Area Manager, Field Operations says CNL has contributed over N7 billion to the Egbema and Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF) since it's creation in 2005. He also reiterates that CNL is committed to the terms of the Global Memorandum of Understandings (GMoU) between it and the Foundation noting that the benefits of the GMoU could only be sustained in an atmosphere of peace that is conducive for business activities.

Area Manager PGPA Field Operations, CNL, Sam Daibo, reading the goodwill message from CNL

He implores the people to embrace dialogue in resolving issues. "Since inception in 2005, the NNPC/ Chevron Joint Venture has contributed over N7 billion to the EGCDF. Successive Regional Development Committee (RDC) leadership used the fund for implementing various infrastructural and non- infrastructural projects. Chevron will continue to provide support to ensure that we achieved sustainable development for the people.”

Brikinn, thanked the Delta Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa for creating the enabling environment for the GMoU to succeed. He also thanked the various traditional rulers, community leaders and members of EGCDF for their hard work, dedication and support toward actualising the objectives of the GMoU.

Also, speaking, Chairman, EGCDF, Mr. Jude Ukori, said that despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Foundation was able to make remarkable progress in 2020. "Under the 2019/2020 New Project Circle, the Foundation awarded a total of 17 projects to contractors nominated by the communities after a competitively bidding process. Apart from our infrastructural projects which indeed have dynamically transformed the architectural outlook and aesthetics of our communities, the Foundation also runs chains of non-infrastructural programs designed to build the capacity of the indigenes. This programs include scholarship, skill acquisition and micro- credit scheme," he said.

The Delta State Deputy Governor, Kingsley Otuaro, who was represented by the State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mr. Emman Amgbaduba, urged the people to continue to embrace peace and dialogue. "When the issue is beyond you, you can meet the government and we will intervene," he said.

Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mr. Emma Amgbaduba, reading his speech

Other key stakeholders at the event included: representatives of the kings of Gbaramatu and Egbema kingdoms, religious leaders, sons and daughters of Ijaw among others.

L-R: Mrs. Jane Ukori, Wife of the Chairman EGCDF; Ambassador Jude Ukori, Chairman EGCDF; Delta State Commissioner for Oil and Gas, Mr. Amgbaduba; Sam Daibo. Area Manager PGPA Field Operations, CNL; Emma Emeribe, Team Lead, Snr. PGPA/CE Rep, CNL at the EGCDF 10^th AGM

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