IOCs need to help Africa drive projected objectives in oil industry—-Ewing, Chevron CMD
Contrary to speculations that Nigerian oil and gas sector still has a long way to go in terms of direction and growth, the Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), Jeffrey Ewing, has seen a bright future for Nigeria and Africa in the oil and gas industry.
However, he said time has come for International Oil Companies (IOCs) to urgently reset their mindset to help Africa achieve projected objectives in the petroleum industry.
Speaking recently at the just concluded Nigerian International Petroleum Summit (NIPS) in Abuja, he said Chevron will continue to boost investment drive in the sector as part of measures to support the Federal Government’s efforts in the oil and gas sector.
While stressing that Africa and Nigeria in particular remained key to the future of the industry, Ewing averred that “The oil and gas industry is here for a long time and Chevron would look for ways to make every opportunity become a reality”.
According to him CNL will deepen its grossing activity in the joint venture (JV) operations in Nigeria and across Africa.
Business Hilights Abuja Bureau Chief recalls that the oil major, which operates a joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) – NNPC/CNL JV, was on the spotlight at NIPS, wining two major industry awards.
The company bagged both the prestigious ‘Top domestic gas producer in 2016/2017’, and ‘The best Performing Upstream International Company in Social Contribution for 2016/2017.’
The awards were received on behalf of the exploration giant by the General Manager Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Esimaje Brikinn.
In his brief speech while receiving the honours, Brikinn averred that Chevron has a comprehensive and aggressive gas development programme driven by good environmental stewardship to eliminate gas flares in its operations, help meet Nigeria’s energy needs, and convert its huge gas resources into wealth for the benefit of the nation.
In his submission, he added that “The NNPC/CNL Joint Venture is a major oil and gas producer, and has provided substantial revenue to the NNPC, Federal and State Governments for over 50 years. NNPC/CNL Joint Venture is a key domestic gas supplier with over 444 MMSCFD Gas sales in 2017.”
“Chevron has made great strides in reducing gas flaring, and increasing gas supply to the domestic market through its integrated gas development projects. The company has also taken social contribution to the communities and Nigeria at large,” Brikinn noted.
