Chevron is one of the largest oil producers in Nigeria and one of its largest investors. The company is committed to the Nigerian government’s policy on local content development as it fosters strong business partnerships with local service providers and product suppliers and works to increase their
professional capabilities.
Chevron plays an active role in the Nigerian Solid Minerals Sector, working closely with the Association of Miners and Producers of Barite (AMAPOB) since 2016.
In a bid to support local miners of Barites, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), donated barite equipment worth $1.284m to the members of the AMAPOB in Gboko, Benue State.
According to Chevron’s General Manager Nigerian Content Development, Mr. Olusoga Oduselu, said that the equipment was to ensure value creation and sustainable economic growth that align with the Nigerian Federal Government’s aspiration in local content development with the aim to increasing in-country capability and providing a strategic framework for increasing the Nigerian Content component of goods and services that are needed to support oil and gas operations and capital projects in Nigeria, and sustain economic growth.
Mr. Olusoga also noted that in addition to the equipment donation, the intervention would also involve the provision of enhanced training for the members of AMAPOB, to enable the association use the equipment to its full potential.
Mr. Olusoga also said that as part of the commitment of Chevron to capacity development initiative obligation on local barite production and patronage of local industry, the company has purchased local Barites directly from Association of Miners and Producers of Barite (AMAPOB) members including a 700MT purchase orders awarded to Qualchem Nigeria Limited and the procurement of equipment worth $1.2 million to support local miners.
Vice President of AMAPOD, Mr. Mike Mku described the initiative as a model of economic diversification as mining is another area of creating job opportunities for youths in the country and he appreciated Chevron for donating the equipment.
Engineer Omorede Oviasu, General Manager, Capacity Building, NCDMB, expressed the importance of the donation, saying, that it will reduce the importation of barite considerably, and also improve
quality control.
Engineer Omorede further explained that it will also create jobs for the people of Benue State. He concluded by thanking Chevron Nigeria Limited for its continued support to the initiative over the years and hopefully to see other International Oil Companies (IOCs) join in these efforts as CNL has done.
The items donated include:
1 Sinotruk 6X4 Tractor Low-bed
1 Komatsu Wheel Loader: WA380-5
1 Komatsu Dozer: D85Ex-15R
1 Compressor & Jack Hammer
1 Komatsu Excavator: PC300-8
1 Mobile Laboratory equipment
2 Sinotrk 6X4 Dump truck
1 Toyota Corolla
1 Toyota Hilux van