Ziggy Ojiegbe

As the world marks World Environment Day on June 5, Chevron Nigeria and Mid-Africa (NMA) has reiterated its commitment to environmental protection and sustainable energy development, aligning its operations with this year’s theme, “A Global Call for Climate Action.”

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The company said the annual global observance underscores the urgent need for collective action to tackle climate-related challenges, including rising temperatures, flooding, heatwaves and water stress, which continue to threaten communities, livelihoods and ecosystems across the world.

Chevron NMA noted that environmental responsibility remains central to its business strategy as it strives to provide affordable, reliable and increasingly cleaner energy while minimizing its environmental footprint.

Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria and Mid-Africa, Jim Swartz, said the focus on climate action reflects the company’s longstanding environmental principles.

According to him, Chevron integrates environmental considerations into decision-making processes across the entire lifecycle of its assets, from design and development through operations and eventual retirement.

“Guided by our commitment to environmental protection and awareness of the challenges posed by climate change, we continue to integrate responsible business practices across the lifecycle of our assets,” Swartz said.

He outlined several key operational priorities driving the company’s climate agenda, including reducing carbon intensity through improved operational efficiency and disciplined energy-use practices aimed at lowering emissions across its facilities.

The company also said it is pursuing opportunities to reduce routine gas flaring and advance gas monetization projects, in line with applicable technical, operational and regulatory requirements.

On methane management, Chevron stated that it continues to deploy leak detection and repair programs, advanced monitoring technologies and vent-gas capture initiatives to minimize emissions where appropriate.

In addition, the company said it supports robust emissions measurement and reporting systems designed to enhance transparency, accountability and regulatory compliance, including the use of third-party verification processes where necessary.

Beyond its operational activities, Chevron highlighted its longstanding investments in environmental conservation and biodiversity protection in Nigeria.

In partnership with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation, Chevron Nigeria Limited established the Lekki Conservation Centre in 1992. The 78-hectare facility serves as a sanctuary for the diverse flora and fauna of the Lekki Peninsula and has become a leading centre for environmental research and education.

Since 2005, the company has also funded an annual postgraduate research scholarship for PhD students in environmental and conservation studies through the NCF. It further supports initiatives aimed at promoting environmental awareness, including the annual S. L. Edu Memorial Lecture and the Walk for Nature programme organized by the Lagos State Government in collaboration with the NCF.

Swartz stressed that biodiversity conservation remains an important aspect of Chevron’s sustainability agenda, noting that the company has a long history of collaborating with governments, host communities, regulators, industry associations and conservation organizations in areas where it operates.

As global attention increasingly turns to climate action and sustainable development, Chevron Nigeria and Mid-Africa said it will continue to work with stakeholders to promote environmental awareness and encourage practical solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.