‎National Association of Ilaje Graduates, NAIG, has faulted what it described as the continued marginalisation of competent Ilaje indigenes by Chevron Nigeria Limited in the current recruitment exercise.

‎NAIG General Secretary, ‎Temidunmi Adeyemi, and ‎NAIG Public Relation Officer, Regele Pius, also lamented that ‎Chevron has failed to convert Ilaje graduates who completed the company’s Vocational Training Programme and serve diligently as contract staff for over 13 years.

They urged the management of the organisation to make the employment process transparent, merit-based and representative of all legitimate host communities.

According to the group, “on September 12, 2024, and October 3, 2024, Chevron Nigeria Limited advertised numerous job vacancies in national dailies, Chevron Nigeria Limited failed to engage host communities throughout the process. In response, we submitted protest letters, published public statements, and petitioned the Presidency. This led to an engagement meeting involving the leadership of the Host Community Development Trust (HCDT), the leadership of the National Association of Ilaje Graduates (NAIG) and Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL). However, our concerns remain unaddressed, with no meaningful result. There have also been several other engagements with our leaders in the HCDT and Chevron, but no results have been achieved.”
‎They added that although Chevron has rescheduled skill tests for the previously cancelled Operator role, no Ilaje candidate has been invited.

They said: “This raises serious concerns. Prior to the cancellation, candidates from several communities participated in the Operator skill test. Now that the test has been rescheduled, Chevron has refused to reinvite Ilaje candidates from host communities who participated in the cancelled exercise.
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“For decades, Ilaje communities have been one of Chevron’s principal host communities. The company’s operations have depended heavily on our land, waterways, coastal environment, and the steadfast cooperation of our people. Generations of Ilaje men and women have endured the environmental, economic, and social impacts of oil and gas exploration, yet we have continued to support peaceful operations.
‎”Despite these sacrifices, Chevron Nigeria Limited has not advanced any Ilaje candidate who reached the interview stage to the background check phase. Ilaje candidates have also been deliberately excluded from the rescheduled Operator Skill Test following its cancellation.
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“‎This is not just about jobs. It is about equity, inclusion, justice, and respect for the communities whose natural resources have sustained Chevron’s operations for decades. ‎Chevron’s employment process must be transparent, merit-based, and representative of all legitimate host communities. We therefore call on Chevron Nigeria Limited to: ‎undertake an independent review of its host community employment framework to ensure fairness and transparency, and allocate Ilaje communities their rightful quota in the employment process as a recognized host community.

“‎Publish clear, objective criteria for host community recruitment. While Chevron engages host communities for contracts and procurement, the same local-content principle must apply to direct employment. Host communities should not be limited to contract jobs that lack the security and benefits of permanent staff positions. ‎Guarantee equitable opportunity for qualified Ilaje graduates in the current recruitment process.
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“‎The Ilaje people remain committed to peace, dialogue, and constructive engagement. We do not seek preferential treatment — we demand equal treatment. We support employment based on competence, integrity, and fairness, while recognising the legitimate expectations of host communities that have borne the burden of oil and gas production for generations. We demand our rightful quota in the employment process.”

They urged Federal Government, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, NNPC Ltd., Ondo State Government, traditional rulers, elected representatives, and all stakeholders to facilitate urgent action to ensure no genuine host community is marginalised.