By ebosele@hotmail.com. —
Chevron Nigeria has lauded the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) for its business-friendly regulatory environment and announced its intention to participate in the 2025 oil and gas licensing round.
The commendation was delivered by the Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria/Mid-Africa Business Unit, Jim Swartz, during a courtesy visit to the Commission’s corporate headquarters in Abuja.
“We will participate in the next licensing round. Our intention is to continue to grow in Nigeria,” Swartz affirmed, noting that the company remains committed to deepening its investments in the country.
He praised the Commission Chief Executive, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, for providing visionary, transparent, and supportive leadership that has strengthened regulatory confidence and improved industry operations. Swartz particularly commended the enforcement of key provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), including the “willing buyer, willing seller” framework, describing it as a major enabler of growth.
“My assessment is that you have continued to support us. You have shown that Nigeria is a leader in this sector. Chevron specifically appreciates the enforcement of the willing buyer, willing seller provision. The NUPRC listens. The NUPRC supports business. As a regulator, the NUPRC is transparent,” he said.
Highlighting recent operational improvements, Swartz disclosed that Chevron had recorded zero incidents of sabotage, oil theft, or pipeline attacks in the last year — its longest period without such disruptions.
In response, the Commission Chief Executive, Engineer Komolafe, welcomed Chevron’s decision to participate in the 2025 licensing round, describing it as a strong vote of confidence in Nigeria’s upstream petroleum sector. He emphasized that the Commission would continue to strengthen investor-friendly policies while upholding the highest regulatory standards.
Chevron’s renewed commitment signals growing investor optimism and underscores Nigeria’s position as a key destination for upstream petroleum development.
