Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) said it has cut its gas flaring by 97 per cent in dedication to raising awareness and promoting actions to address various environmental issues, including marine pollution, overpopulation, global warming, sustainable development, and wildlife crime, among others.
This is as the globe marks World Environment Day on June 5, 2025.
This year’s theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” highlights the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution, a significant environmental challenge of our time.
Plastic pollution refers to the accumulation of plastic items and particles, such as plastic bottles, bags, and microplastics, in the environment, particularly in oceans, rivers, and landfills. The widespread use of single-use plastics, inadequate waste management systems, and the persistent nature of plastic materials contribute to this global issue.
Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), the operator of a joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), said it supports this global initiative as it aligns with its commitment to protecting the environment while providing affordable, reliable, and ever-cleaner energy that enables human progress.
CNL’s Chairman and Managing Director, Jim Swartz, explained that this year’s theme is consistent with the company’s values and environmental principles, which are anchored on considering the environment in decision-making, minimising our environmental footprint, operating responsibly, and stewarding our sites.
The CNL boss noted that the company is advancing its lower-carbon strategy by focusing on lowering the carbon intensity of its operations and by implementing methane detection and reduction capabilities.
“CNL utilises high-tech Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) cameras for detecting fugitive emissions, and in the past 10 years, CNL has reduced routine gas flaring by over 97% in its operations,” he highlighted.
Olusoga Oduselu, CNL’s General Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs, emphasised the importance of protecting and conserving biodiversity. “We have a long history of working in collaboration with communities, industry groups, regulators, and conservation groups to identify and protect biodiversity in parts of the world where we operate. For over 60 years, the company has remained an active agent of sustainable development and a strong advocate of partnerships in support of the environment”.
Jim added that, “At Chevron, our commitment to environmental stewardship is reflected in the responsible design, development, operation, and retirement of assets. We strive to implement business practices that support effective waste management activities and reduce the potential environmental, health, and safety impacts associated with plastic waste.
“We continue to assess and implement the reduction of single-use plastic water bottles by providing water dispensers. We have also invested in waste management equipment to shred, crush, and compact waste for recycling and re-use by third-party service providers. These actions have prevented our used plastics from leaking into our immediate natural environment.”
Jim stated that CNL’s Operational Excellence Management System delivers industry-leading performance in process safety, personal safety and health, environment, reliability, and efficiency.
“Our focus on the environment during decision-making lays the foundation for sound environmental management. The company protects the environment through the entire lifecycle from responsible design, development, operations, and asset retirement,” he stated.
As the world focuses on beating plastic pollution, CNL said it will continue to partner with stakeholders to raise public awareness and create the transformative environmental change needed to advance towards a more sustainable world.
“This commitment aims to beat plastic pollution for ourselves and future generations,” says Jim.
