By Samuel Ogude
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) and its Mid-Africa Business Unit (NMA) have reaffirmed their commitment to environmental protection while continuing to provide affordable, reliable and cleaner energy that supports human progress. The commitment was contained in a statement issued by the company’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Olusoga Oduselu, to mark the 2026 World Environment Day, celebrated annually on June 5.
According to the statement, the Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron’s Nigeria/Mid-Africa Business Unit, Jim Swartz, said the occasion provides an opportunity to emphasize the importance of environmental awareness and the need for collective action in addressing climate-related challenges.
He noted that this year’s World Environment Day theme, “A Global Call for Climate Action,” aligns with Chevron’s environmental principles, which include considering environmental impacts in decision-making, reducing carbon footprint, operating responsibly and ensuring proper stewardship of operational sites. Swartz said the theme underscores the importance of coordinated efforts in tackling climate-related challenges affecting people, communities and ecosystems across the globe.
His words: “Climate-related impacts, including rising temperatures, flooding and water stress, continue to affect livelihoods and natural systems in many parts of the world.”
He added that Chevron remains guided by its commitment to environmental protection and continues to integrate responsible business practices throughout the lifecycle of its assets, from design and development to operations and eventual retirement. According to him, Chevron’s climate action strategy is built around key operational priorities, including carbon intensity reduction, flare reduction and gas monetization, methane emissions management, and emissions assessment and measurement.
As part of its environmental conservation efforts, Swartz highlighted Chevron’s longstanding partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation which led to the establishment of the Lekki Conservation Centre in 1992.
He described the 78-hectare facility as a centre of excellence for environmental education, research and recreation, serving as a sanctuary for the diverse flora and fauna of the Lekki Peninsula. His words: “We continue to pursue improved operational efficiency and disciplined energy-use practices through projects and initiatives that support lower emissions intensity across our operations.”
Swartz further stated that the company continues to explore opportunities to reduce routine gas flaring while advancing gas development projects, in line with operational, technical and regulatory requirements.
He added that Chevron manages methane emissions and vented gases through leak detection and repair programmes, deployment of advanced detection technologies and vent-gas capture initiatives where appropriate. The company also supports emissions measurement and reporting systems aimed at promoting transparency, accountability and regulatory compliance, including the use of independent third-party verification processes when required.
Highlighting Chevron’s investment in environmental sustainability and capacity development, Swartz disclosed that since 2005, CNL has sponsored annual postgraduate research scholarships for PhD students in environment and conservation under a programme established by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation. The company also supports environmental awareness initiatives such as the annual S.L. Edu Memorial Lecture and the Walk for Nature programme organised by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with the NCF.
Swartz emphasized that Chevron’s Mid-Africa Business Unit recognizes the importance of biodiversity conservation and has maintained a long-standing tradition of collaboration with governments, host communities, regulators, industry groups and conservation organisations on biodiversity initiatives in areas where it operates.
“As attention remains focused on climate action, Chevron’s Mid-Africa region will continue to engage stakeholders, support environmental awareness and encourage practical actions that contribute to a more sustainable future”, he added.