In a recent development, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has confirmed the obstruction of its facilities by protesters from the Ugborodo community in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Esimaje Brikinn, the General Manager of Policy, Government, and Public Affairs at CNL, officially verified the report in a statement released to the press on Thursday.
“At approximately 7 am on November 21, 2023, boats carrying protesters were observed patrolling around CNL’s Terminal and Escravos Gas-To-Liquids (EGTL) jetties, eventually obstructing access to the Escravos Terminal, including the EGTL jetty, in CNL’s Western area of operations,” the statement disclosed.
Brikinn explained that the demonstrators are seeking a change in the name of the Warri Kingdom Onshore Host Community Development Trust (HCDT) and are requesting involvement in the nomination of additional individuals to the Board of Trustees (BOT) of the HCDT.
Furthermore, they are demanding the mobilization of community workers for the EGTL Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) activities,” Brikinn added.
Emphasizing CNL’s commitment to adherence to applicable laws and regulations, Brikinn stated, “CNL is dedicated to the operationalization of the HCDT in compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021 (PIA).” He also stressed that CNL continues to work closely with Ugborodo community leaders and traditional rulers in this regard.
“Moreover, CNL is unwavering in its commitment to ensuring the participation of community workers in the EGTL TAM according to the manpower mobilization plan,” he affirmed.
Brikinn went on to express CNL’s intent to engage with relevant stakeholders, including the protesters, community leaders, traditional rulers, the HCDT’s BOT, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), the Delta State Government, and others, with the aim of ensuring the peaceful departure of the protesters from its Terminal and EGTL jetties.
“CNL places utmost importance on, and remains dedicated to, the safety of individuals, the environment, and its assets,” he concluded.
