By Our Correspondent
Oil giant, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), has described as untrue, claims of oil spill in its Abiteye and Utonana fields around Benikrukru communities in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
Chevron is the operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC) (NNPC/CNL JV).
GbaramatuVoice investigations revealed that leaders of Benikrukru United Communities alleged that massive oil spill, suspected to be from the Chevron Abiteye-Otunana pipeline occurred from February 19, 2021.
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Chevron, the operator of the Abiteye and Otunana fields, has, however, denied responsibility for the oil spill.
Reacting to the development, General Manager, Policy, Government Public Affairs, of Chevron, Esimaje Brikinn, told GbaramatuVoice that there was no oil leakage from any of its fields in Delta.
Confirming the position in a statement made available to GbaramatuVoice on Thursday (February 25, 2021), Brikinn said, “Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL), operator of the joint venture between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and CNL is aware of a media report alleging an oil spill from its Abiteye and Utonana Fields around Benikrukru community in CNL’s Western Operations, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.
“CNL has investigated and continues to surveil its Assets in the Abiteye Field including the 16” Makaraba-Utonana-Abiteye Right of Way (ROW) and confirms that there has not been any oil spill from its Assets in Abiteye and Utonana fields.
“CNL surveillance program is an ongoing exercise engrained in our processes and no spill has been sighted from our Assets in Abiteye and Utonana Fields.
“CNL remains committed to the protection of people and the environment. We will continue to conduct our operations reliably and efficiently, with utmost consideration for environmental protection.”
