Chevron Nigeria says it has recorded its longest period without oil theft or pipeline attacks in decades—an achievement it attributes to improved security coordination and stricter regulatory enforcement in the upstream oil sector.
Jim Swartz, Chairman and Managing Director of Chevron Nigeria/Mid-Africa Business Unit, disclosed the milestone during a visit to the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) headquarters in Abuja on December 4, 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,” Swartz said, describing the development as a major boost for production stability and investor confidence.
Chevron: NUPRC is Supporting Growth and Transparency
Swartz praised the Commission Chief Executive, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, for driving a regulatory environment that encourages investment and enforces the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) effectively.
“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 noted.
He added that NUPRC’s approach reflects transparency and a strong pro-business orientation:
“The NUPRC listens. The NUPRC supports business. As a regulator, the NUPRC is transparent.”
Chevron Confirms Interest in the 2025 Licensing Round
Swartz announced that Chevron will participate in Nigeria’s 2025 oil and gas licensing round, reaffirming its long-term commitment to expanding its footprint in the country.
“We will participate in the next licensing round. Our intention is to continue to grow in Nigeria,” he said.
TotalEnergies Seeks 40% Farm-Out Stake in Chevron Assets
The Chevron chief also revealed that TotalEnergies Nigeria has signed a farm-out agreement to acquire a 40% stake in the company’s offshore exploration licences—PPL 2000 and PPL 2001. Chevron is now awaiting NUPRC’s approval to accelerate development.
“We are looking to the NUPRC for a swift approval as we aim to move quickly on these assets,” Swartz said.
NUPRC: Zero Oil Theft Shows Sector Reforms Are Working
In his response, the NUPRC boss, Engineer Gbenga Komolafe, said Chevron’s experience of zero oil theft in 12 months is evidence that the Commission’s regulatory work and federal security interventions are delivering tangible results.
He added that the 2025 licensing round would be even more transparent and technology-driven than the 2024 edition, noting that the Commission’s digital portal has already gone live with 50 fields on offer.
“Chevron’s participation confirms that Nigeria remains a key investment destination,” Komolafe said.
