Chevron advocates realistic energy transition strategy at NOG 2025

By Matthew Denis

Chevron Nigeria’s Chairman and Managing Director, Jim Swartz, has called for a realistic, balanced approach to the future of energy in Nigeria, stressing the importance of affordability, security, and cleaner solutions in meeting rising demand.

Swartz shared this view during a panel session on “Pragmatically Achieving Energy Abundance” at the 2025 Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Energy Week in Abuja.

He said the energy conversation must balance economic development with environmental sustainability, adding that oil and gas would continue to play a critical role in Nigeria’s energy mix for the foreseeable future.

“Chevron is committed to safely delivering lower-carbon energy to a growing global population,” Swartz said. “We are continuously evolving, improving operations, and building resilience to stay competitive and profitable.”

He described the company’s “North Star” strategy, which includes improving its base business, increasing production, and monetising gas resources.

Swartz noted that Chevron is the only international oil company in Nigeria that maintains operations across onshore, shallow water, and deepwater assets. He also highlighted Chevron’s early compliance with the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), including the conversion of its joint venture and Agbami leases.

“We have made strategic moves recently, including a farm-in to OPL 215, a 20-year renewal of three deepwater leases, and the completion of seismic surveys. We are also pushing ahead with exploration drilling and fast-tracking production from the Meji Northwest discovery,” he said.

Swartz pointed to technology as a central pillar of Chevron’s operations, citing digital transformation, smart grids, renewable energy, supply chain optimisation, and environmental monitoring as tools that are improving performance and decision-making.

While commending the Nigerian government for recent reforms in the oil and gas sector, Swartz called for deeper collaboration between public and private stakeholders to further enhance the sector’s competitiveness.

“Chevron remains committed to Nigeria for the long haul,” he said. “We are proud to be part of the country’s journey towards a more prosperous and sustainable future.”