As the world commemoratesWorld Environment Day 2025 with the theme “Beat Plastic Pollution”, Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) has announced a remarkable 97% reduction in routine gas flaring. The company reaffirmed its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development in line with this year’s global call to action.
Plastic pollution defined as the pervasive presence of plastic waste such as bags, bottles, and microplastics in the environment—remains a pressing global challenge. Poor waste management systems and the widespread use of single-use plastics have led to severe impacts on marine life, public health, and biodiversity.
CNL, the operator of a joint venture with the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), says it aligns strongly with the World Environment Day initiative and continues to take bold steps in support of a cleaner, safer environment.
“This year’s theme resonates deeply with our environmental principles, which include responsible operations, site stewardship, and minimising our environmental footprint,” said Jim Swartz, Chairman and Managing Director of CNL.
He noted that CNL is advancing its lower-carbon strategy through technologies aimed at reducing emissions, including Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) cameras that detect fugitive emissions. “In the past decade alone, we’ve reduced routine gas flaring by over 97%,” Swartz stated.
Speaking on CNL’s environmental efforts, Olusoga Oduselu, General Manager of Policy, Government and Public Affairs, emphasised the company’s longstanding dedication to biodiversity conservation.
“We work closely with communities, regulatory bodies, industry groups, and conservation organisations to protect biodiversity in all areas of our operations. For over 60 years, CNL has been an active advocate for sustainable development,” he said.
Swartz further highlighted the company’s efforts to combat plastic waste, including reducing single-use plastic bottles at its facilities by deploying water dispensers and investing in waste processing technologies that allow plastics to be shredded, crushed, compacted, and repurposed by recycling partners.
“Our actions are preventing plastic pollution from entering the natural environment. Environmental stewardship is embedded in how we design, operate, and eventually decommission our assets,” Swartz added.
CNL’s Operational Excellence Management System ensures top-tier performance in safety, environmental protection, and efficiency. The company says its decision-making processes consistently prioritise environmental sustainability.
“We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to raise awareness and drive the transformative change needed to build a more sustainable future,” Swartz affirmed. “This commitment to beating plastic pollution is not just for today, but for generations to come.”
As global attention turns toward addressing plastic pollution and other environmental threats, CNL stands as a leading example of how corporate responsibility and innovation can support long-term ecological health and human progress.
