Oil and gas giant Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) will cut down its workforce in Nigeria by 25 percent across various levels, the company announced on Friday.
In a statement, it said the decision was taken as a result of the prevailing business climate caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and low crude oil prices.
CNL general manager of policy, government and public affairs Esimaje Brikinn, according to the statement, added that the 25 percent job cut was to reposition the oil firm for greater efficiency and competitiveness.
“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,” Brikinn said.
“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 reorganisation process is completed.”
Brikinn also dismissed speculations that the exercise was to outsource jobs done by Nigerians to foreigners, adding that CNL is working with its joint venture partners, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) on the process.
NAN reports that CNL workers under the auspices of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in a protest on Friday in Lagos said 600 employees of the company risked losing their jobs.
