Chevron commits $1.4m to GMoU

DETERMINED to impact positively on the social, educational and economic wellbeing of its host communities, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has invested about $1.4 million (about N280 million) in the Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU) with the communities.

The General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, CNL, Deji Haastrup, at the breakfast meeting of the Nigerian-South African Chamber of Commerce in Lagos, said the company prioritise community development as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

“Beyond our direct business investments, we make select social investments in three core areas- health, education and economic development – to develop skilled workers, improve access to health care, and boost local and regional economies. We know that healthy businesses require healthy communities,” he stated.

As part of the CSR, he said more than 54,375 Nigerian students have benefitted from the national scholarship programme of the organisation worth over N2.65 billion with an average of 300 intakes yearly, adding that 9,617 undergraduates currently on the Agbami (Chevron & Deep Water Co-Venturers) Scholarship Programme.

Specifically, Haastrup said: “In 2013/14 and 2014/15 academic sessions, 1,166 Agbami scholars graduated with first and second class upper. Other types of Special scholarship programs (including for the visually impaired and physically challenged) and GMoU worth over $1.4 million,”

Besides, he said the company has embarked on Learning Centers Initiative in collaboration with the Discovery Alliance, while over 15,000 students have access to educational materials & TV channels in under resourced schools are successfully implemented in Lagos State and Delta States

These projects, according to him, have impacted on the educational system through increased school enrolment by over 50 per cent over the last three years, greater success in external examinations and competitions at states and federal levels, and improved teachers interest and capability.

Haastrup however noted that donations by Chevron and Deepwater Partners’ footprints in Nigeria between 2008 and 2014 has resulted into establishment of 24 chest clinics, 14 libraries and 24 science laboratories.

Chevron operates and holds a 40 per cent interest in nine concessions under a joint-venture arrangement with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

The oil multinational reported its net daily production in Nigeria averaged 240,000 barrels of crude oil per day, 236 million cubic feet of natural gas and 6,000 barrels of liquefied petroleum gas in 2014.