By Francis Sadhere, Warri
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), the operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and CNL, has firmly denied reports of an alleged oil spill from its Berth Offshore Platform (BOP) affecting communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
In a press statement issued on Monday, July 28, 2025, and signed by the company’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Mr. Olusoga Oduselu, Chevron described the allegation as false and misleading.
“The allegation of oil spill in CNL’s BOP in Ondo State is not true,” the statement read. “CNL remains committed to protecting people and the environment and to conducting its operations reliably and efficiently in compliance with regulatory requirements and consideration for the environment.”
The response comes amid rising concerns in the coastal communities of Ilaje, where some residents had reportedly raised alarm over suspected environmental pollution they believed was linked to oil operations offshore. Local media had earlier published unverified claims suggesting a leak from Chevron’s offshore facilities was responsible.
However, CNL’s management insists that its operations are being carried out with full adherence to environmental safety protocols. The company emphasized that it maintains rigorous environmental monitoring and response systems to detect and address any incident should it occur.
“Chevron has a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible energy development. Our operations are governed by strict safety and environmental policies, and we continually engage regulators and stakeholders to ensure compliance,” Oduselu added.
Beyond environmental protection, Chevron also reiterated its commitment to improving the lives of people living in its host communities. “CNL is committed to the socio-economic development and empowerment of communities neighbouring its areas of operations,” the statement noted.
Over the years, the company has implemented various community development initiatives in Ondo and other states within its operational reach. These include educational programs, health interventions, economic empowerment schemes, and infrastructural development.
Environmental activists and civil society groups have called for independent investigations to verify the truth about the reported spill. Meanwhile, residents of Ilaje and other stakeholders await further clarity from both regulatory bodies and the oil company.
Chevron’s latest statement is expected to calm tensions, though questions may linger in the affected communities until independent environmental assessments are conducted.
As of press time, neither the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) nor the Ondo State Government had issued an official statement confirming or denying the occurrence of a spill.
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), the operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and CNL, has firmly denied reports of an alleged oil spill from its Berth Offshore Platform (BOP) affecting communities in Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State.
In a press statement issued on Monday, July 28, 2025, and signed by the company’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Mr. Olusoga Oduselu, Chevron described the allegation as false and misleading.
“The allegation of oil spill in CNL’s BOP in Ondo State is not true,” the statement read. “CNL remains committed to protecting people and the environment and to conducting its operations reliably and efficiently in compliance with regulatory requirements and consideration for the environment.”
The response comes amid rising concerns in the coastal communities of Ilaje, where some residents had reportedly raised alarm over suspected environmental pollution they believed was linked to oil operations offshore. Local media had earlier published unverified claims suggesting a leak from Chevron’s offshore facilities was responsible.
However, CNL’s management insists that its operations are being carried out with full adherence to environmental safety protocols. The company emphasized that it maintains rigorous environmental monitoring and response systems to detect and address any incident should it occur.
“Chevron has a long-standing commitment to environmental stewardship and responsible energy development. Our operations are governed by strict safety and environmental policies, and we continually engage regulators and stakeholders to ensure compliance,” Oduselu added.
Beyond environmental protection, Chevron also reiterated its commitment to improving the lives of people living in its host communities. “CNL is committed to the socio-economic development and empowerment of communities neighbouring its areas of operations,” the statement noted.
Over the years, the company has implemented various community development initiatives in Ondo and other states within its operational reach. These include educational programs, health interventions, economic empowerment schemes, and infrastructural development.
Environmental activists and civil society groups have called for independent investigations to verify the truth about the reported spill. Meanwhile, residents of Ilaje and other stakeholders await further clarity from both regulatory bodies and the oil company.
Chevron’s latest statement is expected to calm tensions, though questions may linger in the affected communities until independent environmental assessments are conducted.
As of press time, neither the National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency (NOSDRA) nor the Ondo State Government had issued an official statement confirming or denying the occurrence of a spill.
