Chevron Spends N26bn on Egbema/Gbaramatu Devt in 16 Years

By Sylvester Idowu

Chevron Nigeria Ltd (CNL) has contributed over N26 billion under its NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, to the Egbema/Gbaramatu Communities Development Foundation (EGCDF) since inception in 2005.

Chevron’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs (PGPA) Mr. Esimaje Brikinn, disclosed this recently, at the grand finale of the Commissioning/Handover ceremony of 11 projects executed by the EGCDF in Effurun near Warri.

Brikinn, who was represented at the event by Chevron’s Area Manager, Field Operations, Mr. Sam Daibo, said the fund was released under its General Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) with the Foundation to execute projects in the oil producing communities.

He disclosed that the fund over the years was invested in about 600 programmes, including the provision of scholarships, building of new schools, medical facilities, housing among others.

He said: “EGCDF, funded by the NNPC/CNL Joint Venture, partnering the Delta government and other stakeholders has executed these projects to improve the quality of life of the people in the communities.

“These 11 projects which were inaugurated recently included: portable water, housing units and renovation of a Cottage hospitals among others cost over N564 million.

“The greatest success of the GMoU is in meeting the objectives of making communities take the driver’s seat in their own development.

“In partnership with stakeholders, we will continue to work at improving this process that has been acknowledged as an industry best practice.

“Other area we seek stronger partnership through the GMoU is in the reduction of environmental degradatuin through oil theft and vandalism.”

He added: “CNL supports global efforts to reduce gas flaring and carbon emissions. In furtherance, we will continue to invest in our operations to improve environmental performance while working with industry to develop new innovations and best practices.”

Brikinn thanked the Delta government for creating an enabling business environment for the CNL, the smooth implementation of the GMoU and other Social Investment Programs.

He assured that CNL would continue to have honest and transparent relationship with the government and the host communities.

Chairman of EGCDF, Mr. Jude Ukori said the foundation had inaugurated 10 projects between April 15 and 16, 2021 at both Gbaramatu and Egbema kingdoms in Delta.