Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Tuesday reiterated his administration’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding local communities from exploitation by oil companies while ensuring that oil production remains uninterrupted.
During a courtesy visit by Chevron Nigeria Limited’s management to Government House in Asaba, the governor stressed that the state’s economic prosperity hinges on a robust oil sector.
“If oil production is high, Delta State will benefit,” Oborevwori said. “As of today, we are the number one oil-producing state in the country. I will not allow oil companies to oppress their host communities, nor will I allow host communities to halt oil production. Disruptions will only hurt us all.”
Highlighting the critical role of the oil industry in generating revenue, Oborevwori underscored that any disturbance to production would adversely affect the state. At the same time, he called on oil companies to strengthen their ties with the communities in which they operate. In his remarks, he noted his long-standing familiarity with Chevron Nigeria Limited:
“I have known Chevron all my life because I am a Warri boy. Many companies left Warri, but Chevron remained. Warri is home for Chevron, and whenever there are community issues, I always urge cooperation between the company and the host communities.”
The governor also addressed recent concerns raised by Itsekiri leaders regarding essential services such as electricity and water. Emphasizing the importance of dialogue, he recalled a recent incident:
“A few days ago, the people wanted to protest, and I intervened because I believe in dialogue. As a leader, dialogue brings more benefits. You have been with these communities for years, and they are people you can manage. Listen to them. The things you can do for them, do them. The ones you cannot, explain your limitations.”
Oborevwori further urged Chevron to create more opportunities for local employment, particularly within its management ranks. “How many of our people hold top management positions in Chevron? Very few. We need you to elevate our people, not just employ them as casual workers. When there are job openings, prioritise the host communities—they deserve it,” he stated.
Responding to the governor’s remarks, Chevron Nigeria Limited’s Chairman and Managing Director, Jim Swartz, lauded the enduring partnership between the company and Delta State. “We have operated in Nigeria for over six decades, most of those years in partnership with Delta State. Our footprint here is significant—Escravos is our operational home base, and our administrative and logistics base is in Warri. This state is home to Chevron Nigeria Limited,” he said.
Swartz also highlighted Chevron’s tangible contributions to regional development, noting the construction of cottage hospitals, riverboat clinics, classroom blocks, water projects, teachers’ quarters, and town halls. These initiatives, he affirmed, are part of Chevron’s ongoing commitment to bolstering the socio-economic welfare of Delta State.
