The Bayelsa State chapter of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has petitioned the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), seeking a review of some procurement practices at Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) and their potential impact on indigenous businesses.
In the petition dated August 3, 2026, the council asked the NCDMB to examine the appointment of a foreign national as procurement manager and determine whether the arrangement complies with applicable Nigerian Content requirements.
The NYCN said the position, previously occupied by a Nigerian, Mr Tayo Oluyemi, was reportedly assigned to Ms AnaMaria Ion, a foreign national.
The council stressed that its concerns should be investigated by the NCDMB, particularly in light of the objectives of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act, which seeks to increase Nigerian participation and value retention in the oil and gas industry.
“We therefore urge the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board to exercise its statutory oversight powers by urgently investigating these concerns and taking appropriate corrective action where necessary,” the petition said.
The group also raised concerns over what it described as a shift from the Delivered Duty Paid (DDP) procurement model to Free Carrier (FCA) arrangements.
According to the council, the change could affect Nigerian companies that have invested in pipe coating, warehousing, logistics, fabrication and other services to participate in the oil and gas supply chain.
“Over the years, indigenous investors have committed substantial capital towards establishing pipe coating facilities, warehousing infrastructure, logistics operations, fabrication yards, and other value-adding services encouraged by the Local Content framework,” it said.
The council argued that greater reliance on offshore procurement could reduce opportunities for Nigerian suppliers, logistics operators, clearing and forwarding companies and other businesses involved in the supply chain.
It also asked the NCDMB to examine reports that some procurement functions previously handled in Nigeria were being performed outside the country.
“Nigeria possesses a large pool of experienced procurement professionals with the competence to perform these functions locally,” the council said.
The NYCN further called for an audit of Chevron’s compliance with Nigerian Content requirements relating to procurement, contract awards and the participation of host-community companies.
It asked the board to assess the effect of the company’s procurement arrangements on local manufacturing, warehousing, transportation, logistics and employment before determining whether any intervention was required.
The council said indigenous companies had made investments based on opportunities created by the Nigerian Content framework and expressed concern that changes in procurement practices could affect the viability of some of those investments.
“If these procurement policies continue unchecked, many indigenous companies that were encouraged to invest under the Local Content regime may become financially distressed, resulting in business closures, unemployment, and increased social and economic hardship within host communities,” the petition said.
Among its requests, the NYCN asked the NCDMB to investigate the appointment of the procurement manager, review the FCA procurement model and examine the reported transfer of some procurement functions outside Nigeria.
It also urged the board to ensure that procurement policies in the oil and gas industry promote Nigerian participation, employment and industrial development in line with applicable laws and regulations.
The council, however, expressed its willingness to pursue its concerns through dialogue and regulatory channels.
“The National Youth Council of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, remains committed to constructive engagement and peaceful dialogue,” it said.
It urged the NCDMB to give the petition prompt consideration and determine whether Chevron’s procurement arrangements comply with Nigerian Content requirements.
Chevron Nigeria Limited had not responded to the issues raised in the petition at the time of filing this report.
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