Alleged Exclusion: Ilaje graduates call on Chevron to review its host community employment framework

Graduates of Ilaje extraction, under the aegis of National Association of Ilaje Graduates, NAIG, have called on the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, to review the company's host community employment framework, to ensure fairness and transparency in employment process.

They insisted that Chevron's employment process must be transparent, merit - based and representative of all legitimate host communities.

 Fresh Angle International can report that the demand by the Ilaje graduates' body, was contained in a press statement made available to newsmen in Warri, Delta State, Sunday July 5.

In the statement, which was e - signed by the General Secretary, National Association of Ilaje Graduates, Temidunmi Akins Adeyemi and Public Relations Officer of the association, Regele Pius, the Ilaje graduates, expressed dismay over Chevron Nigeria Limited's alleged persistent exclusion of qualified Ilaje candidates from key stages in the company's recruitment process.

They warned that should Chevron and relevant stakeholders fail to address their demand, they reserve the right to take lawful actions necessary to protect the interests of Ilaje communities.

The statement, reads : " ?The National Association of Ilaje Graduates, NAIG, has observed with deep concern the continued marginalization of Ilaje indigenes by Chevron Nigeria Limited in the current recruitment exercise.

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"?It is pertinent to recall that on 12th September 2024 and 3rd October 2024, Chevron Nigeria Limited advertised numerous job vacancies in national dailies, including Vanguard Newspaper. Chevron Nigeria Limited failed to engage host communities throughout the process. In response, we submitted protest letters, published public statements, and petitioned the Presidency. This led to an engagement meeting involving the leadership of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), the leadership of the National Association of Ilaje Graduates (NAIG) and Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL). However, our concerns remain unaddressed, with no meaningful result. There have also been several other engagements with our leaders in the HCDT and Chevron, but no results have been achieved.

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"?We are dismayed by Chevron’s persistent exclusion of qualified Ilaje candidates from key stages of the recruitment process. "While engagements were still ongoing, it should be noted that some candidates resumed work on 1st July 2026.

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"?Furthermore, although Chevron has rescheduled skill tests for the previously cancelled Operator role, no Ilaje candidate has been invited. This raises serious concerns. Prior to the cancellation, candidates from several communities participated in the Operator skill test. Now that the test has been rescheduled, Chevron has refused to reinvite Ilaje candidates from host communities who participated in the cancelled exercise.

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"?Chevron has also failed to convert Ilaje graduates who completed the company’s Vocational Training Programme and have served diligently as contract staff for over 13 years.

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"?For decades, Ilaje communities have been one of Chevron’s principal host communities. The company’s operations have depended heavily on our land, waterways, coastal environment, and the steadfast cooperation of our people. Generations of Ilaje men and women have endured the environmental, economic, and social impacts of oil and gas exploration, yet we have continued to support peaceful operations.

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"?Despite these sacrifices, Chevron Nigeria Limited has not advanced any Ilaje candidate who reached the interview stage to the background check phase. Ilaje candidates have also been deliberately excluded from the rescheduled Operator Skill Test following its cancellation.

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"?This is not just about jobs. It is about equity, inclusion, justice, and respect for the communities whose natural resources have sustained Chevron’s operations for decades.

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"?Chevron’s employment process must be transparent, merit-based, and representative of all legitimate host communities.

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"?We therefore call on Chevron Nigeria Limited to:

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"?Undertake an independent review of its host community employment framework to ensure fairness and transparency, and allocate Ilaje communities their rightful quota in the employment process as a recognized host community.

?Publish clear, objective criteria for host community recruitment. While Chevron engages host communities for contracts and procurement, the same local-content principle must apply to direct employment. Host communities should not be limited to contract jobs that lack the security and benefits of permanent staff positions.

?Guarantee equitable opportunity for qualified Ilaje graduates in the current recruitment process.

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"?The Ilaje people remain committed to peace, dialogue, and constructive engagement. We do not seek preferential treatment — we demand equal treatment. We support employment based on competence, integrity, and fairness, while recognizing the legitimate expectations of host communities that have borne the burden of oil and gas production for generations. We demand our rightful quota in the employment process.

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"?We also call on the Federal Government, Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NNPC Ltd., Ondo State Government, traditional rulers, elected representatives, and all stakeholders to facilitate urgent action to ensure no genuine host community is marginalized.

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"?Chevron has long positioned itself as a responsible corporate citizen. That reputation will only be strengthened by a recruitment system that is transparent, equitable, inclusive, and reflective of the diversity of its host communities.

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"?The Ilaje people are not asking for charity. We are asking for justice.

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"?Our communities have contributed immensely to Chevron’s success. Our youths possess the education, technical competence, and professional skills needed to contribute meaningfully to the company’s future.

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"?Should Chevron and relevant stakeholders fail to address these legitimate demands, the National Association of Ilaje Graduates cannot guarantee continued peace around Chevron facilities. The patience of our people is not infinite, and we reserve the right to take all lawful actions necessary to protect the interests of Ilaje communities."

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