Mkpoikana Udoma
Port Harcourt — American oil firm, Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, had confirmed that it will cut down its workforce in Nigeria by 25 percent across various levels, in response to the evolving business environment in the energy sector.
This is as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, had raised the alarm on the looming sack of 600 employees by the oil firm.
Confirming the development, Chevron’s General Manager Policy, Government and Public Affairs, Esimaje Brikinn, explained that the 25 percent job cut was to reposition the oil firm for greater efficiency and effectiveness.
Brikinn in a statement disclosed that 25 percent of its workers will be sacked, although he did not give the exact number of workers to be affected by the job cut.
The statement reads, “CNL and its affiliates, confirms that it is reviewing its manpower requirements in the light of the changing business environment, while continuing to evaluate opportunities to improve capital efficiency and reduce operating costs.
“In this process, the company will be streamlining its workforce and improving service delivery and overall performance at all levels.
“This will increase efficiency and effectiveness, retain value, reduce cost, and generate more revenue for the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“It is important to note that all our employees will retain their employment until the reorganization process is completed.
Chevron Nigeria to sack 600 workers, relocate jobs to America – PENGASSAN
“CNL supports the Federal Government in its objectives and efforts to build a prosperous Nigeria. In the area of employment generation, the company has several social investments which are helping to provide employment for thousands of Nigerians.”
Chevron in the statement also dismissed speculations that the job cut was to outsource jobs done by Nigerians to foreigners, adding that there are no plans to migrate Nigerian jobs outside the country.
The statement further explains that CNL was in alignment with both its Joint Venture partners, the NNPC, and the Department of Petroleum Resources on the process.
“We have prospects for our company in Nigeria; however, we must make the necessary adjustments in light of the prevailing business climate; and we need everyone’s support to get through these tough times stronger, more efficient and more profitable, in order to sustain the business”
“We are actively engaging our workforce to ensure they understand why this is being done. We will continue to consistently engage all relevant stakeholders, including the leadership of the employee unions as we continue this process of business optimization.
“At CNL, the welfare and safety of our workforce is one of our highest priorities. Making changes to the organization is never easy for anyone that will be impacted, but it is necessary to improve our ability to remain competitive in Nigeria.
“Reducing the cost and improving the efficiency of our operations is critical to generating more revenues for the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
