Headlines

Chevron expresses deep commitment towards capacity development of media practitioners , trains 30 Lagos journalists

Funso Olojo

Chevron Nigeria Limited, one of the foremost operators in the upstream sector of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, has reiterated its passion and commitment towards continuous training of media practitioners in the country to enhance their professional capacity.

Mr Esimaje Brikinn, the General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs of the International Oil Company (IOC), made this commitment on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024 while declaring open a one-day media capacity building training programme held in Lagos in partnership with the Lagos council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists(NUJ).

Brikinn, who was represented by Mr Victor Anyaegbudike, the Manager, Communications, Chevron Nigeria Limited, said that the oil company decided to partner with the Lagos NUJ due to its firm belief in the value derivable from development of human capital.

30 Journalists drawn from different media organizations in Lagos, participated in the training programme which was the second in the series of such capacity training programme sponsored by Chevron Nigeria Limited.

The maiden edition of the programme was held last year across three states of the nation: Lagos, Delta and the Federal Capital Territory where over 90 journalists participated which was geared towards building the capacity of media practitioners to enhance their skills and abilities to perform their duties.

“As members of the fourth estate of the realm, your role as agenda-setters and opinion moulders cannot be over-emphasized.

” I want to thank you for your impactful role in reporting the oil and gas industry and providing effective perspectives to the complex industry operations.

“We continue to partner with the media for the development of the society.

“In this light, we also recognize the need for capacity building of the media practitioners to enhance their capacity to perform their duties.

“That is why CNL sponsors the Advanced Writing and Reporting Skills (AWARES) programme in collaboration with the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos.

“Over 120 journalists have benefitted from the programme since its inception in 2014.

“Through programmes such as AWARES, we help to improve professional capacity and build lasting partnerships with our media stakeholders.

“We are also partnering with the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) to organize capacity-building programmes that will involve an increasing number of journalists in Lagos, Asaba and Abuja before the end of this year.” the Chevron manager declared.

Esimaje Brikinn also revealed the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programmes of the company in its host communities and Nigerian society which he said have greatly impacted the lives of the people.

“We also recognize that the success of the larger society invariably translates to success in our business; and we believe it is in our long-term interest to add value to society as we create value for our stakeholders.

“CNL seeks to make human investments that deliver long-term transformative returns.

“This is achieved through our Nigerian Content development activities.

“In Nigeria, Chevron supports Nigerian Content development by providing employment to Nigerians, and contract opportunities in all our projects up to an estimated annual average over $1 billion.

“We also contribute to the sustainable development of communities where we operate.

” Our legacy Global Memorandum of Understanding (GMoU), a community-led participatory partnership model for community engagement and sustainable development was pioneered by CNL in 2005.

“For over 16 years of the implementation of the GMoU, CNL contributed billions of naira to the Regional Development Committees (RDCs) that represent the community clusters in our area of operations to execute hundreds of projects.

“Currently, we are transiting to the Host Community Development Trusts (HCDTs) under the Petroleum Industry Act as we continue to focus on ensuring the development of our communities.

Also, through Chevron’s Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND), we are impacting hundreds of lives in the Niger Delta and supporting economic empowerment in the region.

“Besides oil exploration and production, Chevron Nigeria Limited is the highest contributor of high-quality domestic gas in Nigeria among the IOCs.

” We are committed to lowering carbon emission and reducing gas flaring in Nigeria.

“Through investments in gathering and processing of associated gas, routine flaring has been reduced by over 97% in the past 10 years in CNL’s operations.

Chevron’s vision is to be the global energy company most admired for its People, Partnership and Performance.

“We believe that energy is essential to modern life, and providing that energy is a profound responsibility. Our purpose is to develop the affordable, reliable, ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress around the world” the Chevron chief stated.

Earlier, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council, Mr. Adeleye Ajayi commended Chevron Nigeria for its desire to train journalists for the second time in the last 8 months.

“It is a great pleasure and our deep gratitude that the Management of Chevron Nigeria Limited has volunteered to sponsor this laudable training programme to widen our horizon of business and economy of the nation for the second year.

“This training is coming up at a very auspicious time that the economy of the nation and business climate is undergoing surgery and rejuvenation by the Federal Government.

“It has, therefore, become imperative to collate all shades of opinion, and views on how to bring the Nigerian economy back on track.

“The Management of Chevron Nigeria Limited no doubt is passionate about the transformation of the nation’s economy and I am sure this is one of the reasons why this training programme is being organised” the Lagos NUJ chairman has said.

Four papers were presented at the capacity building programme with the theme”Driving Nigeria’s Business & Economy: The Media Perspective”.

Related Topics:featured Lagos journalists

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Headlines

NIWA partners ICPC to strengthen internal transparency in its operations

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) has announced new strategies aimed at improving its operational system and enhancing collaboration with key stakeholders as part of efforts to boost efficiency and accountability.

Speaking at a post event Press Conference at NIWA Headquarters Lokoja, the Acting Managing Director, Umar Yusuf Girei, while answering questions from journalists stated that, the organization convened a two -day Executive and Anti-Corruption training with the theme “Strengthening Integrity and Revenue System in Inland Waterways Management” organized for Board Members, Management and Area Managers and also 2026 NIWA Management Retreat in Abuja.

The Acting MD noted as part of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,with the support Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, the Authority is focused on aligning institutional goals in ensuring better service delivery to Nigerians.

He further said, as part of its anti-corruption drive, the Management held discussions with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to explore measures for strengthening transparency within its operations.

Girei therefore, assured staff that the ongoing reforms under his watch would translate into improved service and better working conditions.

“NIWA remains committed to continuous improvement and stakeholder engagement and the reforms are expected to enhance both internal performance and public confidence”. he stated.

Headlines

Navy appoints new Maritime Guard Commander for NIMASA

Gloria Odion, Maritime Reporter

The Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Idi Abbas, has approved the appointment of Commodore Reginald Odeodi Adoki as the Commander of the Maritime Guard Command at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

Commodore Adoki takes over from Commodore H.C Oriekeze who has been redeployed.

Commodore Adoki, a principal Warfare Officer specializing in communication and intelligence, brings onboard 25 years experience in the Nigerian Navy covering training, staff and operations.

As a seaman, he has commanded NNS Andoni, NNS Kyanwa and NNS Kada.

It was under his command that NNS Kada under took her maiden voyage, sailing from the country of build (the United Arab Emirates) into Nigeria.

He was commissioned into the Nigerian Navy in 2000 with a BSc in Mathematics.

He has since earned a Masters in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos and an M.Sc in Terrorism, Security and Policing at University of Leicester, England.

He is currently pursuing a Ph.D in Defence and Security Studies at the National Defence Academy (NDA).

He is a highly decorated officer with several medals for distinguished service.

Welcoming the new MGC Commander to the Agency, the Director General, Dr Dayo Mobereola, expressed confidence in Adoki’s addition to the team, emphasising that it will further strengthen the nation’s maritime security architecture given his vast experience in the industry.

The Maritime Guard Command domiciled in NIMASA was established as part of the resolutions of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigerian Navy to assist NIMASA strengthen operational efficiency in Nigeria’s territorial waters, especially through enforcement of security, safety and other maritime regulations.

Customs

Customs collects N1.585 trillion from 51 compliant traders under AEO programme

Funso OLOJO, Editor

The Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), one of the trade facilitation tools introduced by the Nigeria Customs Service in 2025, has begun to yield bountiful harvests with the revenue growth of ₦362.79 billion recorded in 2025.

According to the AEO scorecard released by the Service, the facilitation tool grossed the sum of N1.585 trillion after certification, an increase revenue from N1.222 trillion before certification.

This represents the growth of N362.79 billion(29.68 per cent) for 51 AEO – certified entities as at October, 2025.

The Programme, according to the NCS, also contributed 21.77% to its total revenue collection of ₦7.281 trillion in 2025, while customs duties paid rose by 85.66% due to enhanced compliance and increased volumes of legitimate trade.

According to AEO Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Report, the Programme achieved an average compliance rate of 85.45 per cent with the highest at 100 per cent and the lowest at 60 per cent.

“The evaluation applied rigorous methodologies to ensure objectivity, transparency, and alignment with the World Customs Organisation (WCO) SAFE Framework of Standards and the provisions of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

“In the area of trade facilitation, AEO participation reduced average cargo clearance time from 168 hours to 41 hours, representing a 75.60% time saving.

“Company operating costs declined by 57.2 per cent while demurrage payments dropped by 90 per cent, limiting capital flight to foreign-owned port service providers and strengthening foreign exchange retention.

” Overall trade efficiency improved by 77.11 per through digitalisation, simplified procedures, and targeted risk management” the Customs declared in the AEO scorecard.

However, the Service singled out with Eight companies for commendation due to their integrity and compliance under the programme.

The companies include Coleman Technical Industries Limited, WACOT Rice Limited, ROMSON Oil Field Services Ltd, WACOT Limited, Chi Farms Ltd, CORMART Nigeria Ltd, PZ Cussons Nigeria Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company Limited and MTN Nigeria Communications Plc.

The Service lauded them for a cumulative voluntary remittance of over a billion naira into the Federation Account following their self-initiated transaction review and disclosure.

“These actions reflect the strengthening of post-clearance audit mechanisms and a growing culture of voluntary compliance within the trading community.

Nevertheless, the Service suspended a firm under the programme for its non- compliance and display of lack of integrity.

The suspended firm engaged in false declaration of consignments contrary to programme obligations.

“Consequently, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, directed the immediate suspension of the company’s AEO status in accordance with the AEO Guidelines, the WCO SAFE Framework of Standards, and Section 112 of the Nigeria Customs Service Act, 2023.

The NCS reiterated that the AEO Programme is founded on trust, transparency, and continuous compliance.

“While compliant operators will continue to benefit from expedited clearance and reduced inspection, appropriate sanctions will be applied where violations are established.

“The Service remains resolute in safeguarding national revenue, facilitating legitimate trade, and preserving the integrity and global credibility of Nigeria’s AEO framework” the NCS concluded in the report.