By Eseoghene Emuke
Chevron Nigeria Limited says it will continue to engage host communities and their leaders in the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act via the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) in the interest of all parties. 3052210120
The company also confirmed that protesters from Ugborodo, host to the CNL’s Terminal and Escravos Gas-To-Liquids (EGTL) in Warri South West LGA of the state, had occupied both jetties in demand of the renaming of the Warri Kingdom Onshore Host Community Development Trust (HCDT).
Chevron, operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (“NNPCL”) and CNL (“NNPCL/CNL JV”), gave the assurance following the protest by Ugborodo indigenes at its facilities in the area.
A statement signed by CNL’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, noted that the company would strictly follow the relevant sections of the PIA in the execution and implementation of HCDT.
Recall that Ugborodo indigenes had on Wednesday evening blocked all entrance into Chevron facilities over the choice of the name for HCDT.
The community was said to have rejected naming the trust as Warri Kingdom Onshore Host Community Development Trust.
But reacting to the protest, Chevron’s spokesman said the company will continue to enagege community leaders, regulatory agencies as well as the Delta State Government for the vacation of the protesters.
According to the statement, “Chevron Nigeria Limited (“CNL”), operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (“NNPCL”) and CNL (“NNPCL/CNL JV”), confirms that at about 7am on November 21, 2023, boats conveying some protesters started patrolling along CNL’s Terminal and Escravos Gas-To-Liquids (“EGTL”) jetties and subsequently blocked access to Escravos Terminal (including EGTL jetty) in CNL’s Western area of operations.
“The protesters are demanding for the renaming of the Warri Kingdom Onshore Host Community Development Trust (“HCDT”) and involvement in the nomination of additional persons for inclusion on the Board of Trustees (“BOT”) of the HCDT. In addition, they are requesting for mobilization of their community workers for the EGTL Turn Around Maintenance (“TAM”) activities.
“CNL is committed to the operationalization of the HCDT in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 (“PIA”). CNL continues to collaborate with the relevant stakeholders, including Ugborodo community leaders and traditional rulers towards the operationalization of the HCDT. Also, CNL is committed to ensuring the participation of community workers for the EGTL TAM in line with the manpower mobilization plan.”
He stated that CNL continues to engage with relevant stakeholders including the protesters, community leaders, traditional rulers, the BOT of the HCDT, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (“NUPRC”), the Delta State Government, and other critical stakeholders to ensure the peaceful vacation of the protesters from CNL’s Terminal and EGTL jetties.
“CNL places the highest priority on and remains committed to the safety of people, the environment and its assets,” Esimaje noted.
