16 February 2014, Lagos, Nigeria – Chevron Nigeria Limited, CNL, operator of the NNPC/Chevron Joint Venture, confirms that more than 1000 junior contract workers locked down over the past five days in our Escravos Gas-To-Liquids, EGTL, Camp have been freed. The workers had been held against their will by some protesting community workers employed by local community contractors. The Federal Government’s security apparatus, the Joint Task Force, JTF, successfully set the workers free on Saturday February 15, 2014. All the workers are safe and on their way home.
“We are happy that this has been finally brought to a peaceful conclusion,” said Deji Haastrup, CNL’s General Manager Policy Government and Public Affairs. Many of the workers are now either back in Warri, Delta State or en-route to Warri to re-unite with their families.
CNL has notified their employers of the successful rescue of their workers. The Delta State Government and community leaders have all been continuously briefed throughout the duration of the lock down.
CNL reiterates its commitment to treating all its contractors fairly. We will continue to advocate respect for the Rule of Law and the use of constructive dialogue in the resolution of all issues. The safety of our employees and contractors remain our first priority in all our operations.