By Our Reporter
The Chairman and Managing Director, Chevron Nigeria/Mid-Africa Business Unit, Jim Swartz, has confirmed that the company did not record a single incident of sabotage or crude oil theft on its pipelines in 2025.
Swartz disclosed this during a visit to the headquarters of the Nigerian Upstream, Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) in Abuja at the weekend.
He stated that Chevron’s operations this year were fully insulated from the challenges of pipeline vandalism and theft, noting that this is the longest period the company has gone without such incidents.
Swartz attributed the milestone to improved security frameworks provided in the Niger Delta, particularly the efforts of Tantita Security Services, the private security firm contracted to protect oil assets by the federal government.
Chevron Eyes 2025 Licensing Round
The Chevron MD further announced the company’s readiness to participate in the 2025 petroleum licensing round, reaffirming its commitment to long-term investment in Nigeria.
He also revealed that TotalEnergies Nigeria recently signed a farm-out agreement with Chevron for a 40 percent stake in Petroleum Prospecting Licences PPL 2000 and PPL 2001, covering offshore exploration assets.
Swartz emphasized Chevron’s support for the full implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), applauding the NUPRC for its transparency and investor-friendly reforms.
“My assessment is that you have continued to support us. You have shown that Nigeria is a leader in this sector.
Chevron specifically appreciates the enforcement of the willing buyer, willing seller provision,” he said.
NUPRC Commends Chevron’s Confidence
Responding, NUPRC Chief Executive, Gbenga Komolafe, described Chevron’s decision to join the upcoming licensing round as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
He expressed satisfaction with Chevron’s report of zero oil-theft incidents, attributing the success to the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, security agencies, and improved surveillance mechanisms.
Komolafe reiterated the Commission’s commitment to delivering a transparent and fully digital licensing round in 2025, stating:
“Our portal has gone live and we have 50 fields on offer. The 2025 licensing round will be more transparent than that of 2024.”
Huge success in Securing Oil Production is unarguably attributed to Tantita Surveillance security services floated by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo known as Tompolo.
The Tantita service has improved security that enabled oil and gas production unhindered .
The surveillance and enforcement activities have significantly boosted production:
“Before the engagement of Tantita, oil production was about 600 barrels per day, but this has risen to approximately 1.8 million barrels per day and targeting about two million barrels per day .
Industry observers have credited Tantita Security Services, led by High Chief Government Ekpemupolo (Tompolo), for the significant reduction in oil theft and pipeline breaches.
The company’s enhanced surveillance operations have been widely acknowledged as a key factor in Nigeria’s improved oil production figures and the restoration of investor confidence in the sector.
