Chevron denies allegations of job obstruction in training programme

By Abubakar Yunusa

C

hevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has dismissed allegations that a company official was involved in obstructing the employment of graduates from its vocational training programmes.

In a statement issued over the weekend,Olusoga Oduselu, General Manager of Policy, Government, and Public Affairs at CNL, described the claims—originating 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.

 He emphasised that the company follows a transparent and merit-based recruitment process, ensuring equal opportunities for all qualified candidates without external interference.

The controversy emerged following 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.

However, Chevron clarified that these training initiatives, implemented in partnership with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC), are part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts to build capacity in the oil and gas sector rather than a direct recruitment pipeline.

“CNL did not make any commitment in this regard to the beneficiaries,” Oduselu said, adding that the company’s hiring decisions are based on business needs and a fair selection process.

While reaffirming its status as an equal-opportunity employer, CNL encouraged qualified candidates, particularly from host communities, to apply for positions when available.

The company also reiterated its commitment to working with stakeholders to promote sustainable development and maintain strong relations with host communities.