‘Our programmes are not employment pipeline’ — Chevron Nigeria denies recruitment allegations

Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has dismissed allegations suggesting that an unnamed company official was involved in obstructing the employment of graduates under its vocational training programmes.

In a statement on Saturday, signed by Olusoga Oduselu, general manager, policy, government and public affairs, the oil firm described the claims, which originated from an online publication, as misleading and unfounded.

“The referenced office or position of a ‘General Manager of EGP’ does not exist in CNL,” Oduselu said.

“CNL has always adhered to a transparent and merit-based recruitment process, ensuring equal opportunities for all qualified candidates, devoid of interference by any party.”

The controversy stems from claims that beneficiaries of CNL’s Vocational Training Programme (VTP) and Operations Training Programme (OTP) were denied employment despite expectations that they would be absorbed into the company’s workforce.

However, CNL clarified that the training initiatives, implemented in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), were part of a corporate social responsibility (CSR) effort to build capacity in the oil and gas sector, not a direct recruitment pipeline.

“CNL did not make any commitment in this regard to the beneficiaries,” Oduselu said.

He added that its recruitment remains guided by business needs and a fair selection process.

While reiterating its status as an equal-opportunity employer, CNL encouraged qualified candidates, especially those from host communities, to apply for roles when available.

The company further reaffirmed its commitment to working with stakeholders to promote sustainable development and maintain positive relations with its host communities.