The National Association of Itsekiri Graduates (NAIG) has accused Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) of marginalizing the Itsekiri nation in its recent recruitment exercise, alleging that the oil company employed about 300 persons secretly, in violation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, 2010.
NAIG asserted that CNL conducted this recruitment without proper public disclosure through national dailies, its official website, or third-party channels.
In a statement signed by NAIG’s President and Secretary, Mino Esiategiwa and Ben Eyitemi Eburajolo respectively, the group lamented CNL’s history of marginalization towards the Itsekiri community over the past 30 years.
They highlighted issues of inadequate employment opportunities, human capacity building, and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Itsekiri host communities.
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NAIG demanded that individuals recently employed by CNL be demobilized and replaced with Itsekiri candidates, occupying at least 60% of the alleged vacancies.
They also emphasized that any conversion of contract employees to staff, including through projects like Project Bella, should prioritize Itsekiri candidates.
The statement warned CNL of potential consequences if their demands were not met, including threats to the safety of CNL’s operations in Itsekiri land.
NAIG called upon government officials, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, to intervene if CNL failed to comply with their demands.
In response to these allegations, CNL officials were contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of reporting.
The situation underscores tensions between communities and corporate entities in Nigeria’s oil-rich regions, highlighting concerns over employment practices, community development, and adherence to regulatory frameworks within the oil and gas industry.
