How Chevron Nigeria’s Strategic Infrastructure Safeguards Strengthened Oil Production
Chevron Nigeria is ramping up its deepwater oil production in a strategic effort to expand growth opportunities across the country. The company, a key player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector for over six decades, is leveraging infrastructure safeguards, advanced drilling programs, and regulatory clarity under the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) to maintain uninterrupted operations. Jim Swartz, Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria, emphasized that the company has recorded zero incidents of pipeline sabotage or theft in 2025—a significant achievement in Nigeria’s oil-rich Niger Delta.
To secure long-term production growth, Chevron has renewed four deepwater leases for 20 years and is executing infill drilling programs in the Agbami and Usan hubs, as well as supporting the maturation of the Owowo development. Entry into Oil Prospecting License 215 and completion of seismic data acquisition across several deepwater leases signal the company’s commitment to future exploration. These initiatives aim to mitigate production decline and enhance deepwater opportunities, positioning Chevron Nigeria as a reliable and forward-looking energy partner.
Chevron’s success is closely tied to strategic partnerships and security measures in the Niger Delta. The company’s collaboration with local contractors, including the high-profile role of Tompolo’s TANTITA security firm, has been credited with significant improvements in crude oil output—from 600,000 barrels per day to over 1.6 million barrels. Industry stakeholders highlight that these measures have not only protected pipelines from sabotage but also ensured Nigeria’s energy stability during periods of unrest, reinforcing Chevron’s reputation for operational resilience.
Beyond oil production, Chevron Nigeria invests heavily in local communities and national development. Its projects include building DNA molecular and PCR laboratories, chest clinics, mother-and-child healthcare centers, and educational infrastructure across the country. The company has awarded scholarships to over 23,000 students, including programs for visually impaired students and postgraduate scholars, while promoting STEM education through laboratory complexes and libraries. Chevron’s initiatives have strengthened healthcare, education, and economic development in the Niger Delta and beyond.
Chevron Nigeria remains optimistic about the country’s oil and gas future, participating actively in Nigeria’s 2025 licensing round and planning to deploy a new drilling rig in 2026. Swartz reiterated the company’s commitment to safe, efficient, and environmentally conscious operations, while continuing to expand domestic and regional energy supply. With decades of sustained investment, infrastructure safeguards, and community engagement, Chevron Nigeria is poised to maintain its leadership in the nation’s energy sector and contribute to long-term economic growth.
source: Leadership