Jim Swartz, chairman and managing director of Chevron Nigeria/mid-Africa business unit, and Gbenga Komolafe, NUPRC's chief executive officer, during a meeting in Abuja on December 4
Jim Swartz, chairman and managing director of Chevron Nigeria/mid-Africa business unit, says the oil company did not record any incident of sabotage and theft on its pipelines in 2025.
Swartz spoke during a recent visit to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission’s (NUPRC) corporate headquarters in Abuja, according to a statement from the agency on Friday.
The chairman said Chevron recorded zero incidents of sabotage in 2025.
“Chevron has not recorded any oil theft or attacks on our pipelines this year. This is the longest we’ve gone without oil theft,” he said.
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According to the statement, Chevron also committed to participating in the 2025 petroleum licensing round.
“We will participate in the next licensing round. Our intention is to continue to grow in Nigeria,” Swartz was quoted as saying.
The managing director hailed the NUPRC as a business enabler, commending Gbenga Komolafe, its chief executive officer, for his visionary leadership and for ensuring that the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) is enforced explicitly.
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“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,” he said.
“The NUPRC listens. The NUPRC supports business. As a regulator, the NUPRC is transparent.”
Swartz said TotalEnergies Nigeria had signed a farm-out agreement with Chevron for a 40 percent stake in the petroleum prospecting licence (PPL) 2000 and PPL 2001 offshore exploration licences in Nigeria.
He said Chevron is looking to the NUPRC for a prompt approval as it seeks to develop the assets quickly.
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In his remarks, Komolafe said Chevron’s decision to participate in the 2025 licensing round was proof that Nigeria remains a key investment destination.
“We are committed to delivering a transparent licensing round which will be better than that of 2024. It will be transparent and digital. Our portal has gone live and we have 50 fields on offer,” he said.
Komolafe also expressed delight over Chevron’s testimony on recording zero incidents pertaining to oil theft.
He attributed the development to initiatives by President Bola Tinubu’s administration and security agencies.
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On December 1, the NUPRC announced the official commencement of the 2025 petroleum licensing round, targeting about $10 billion in new investments.
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