Communities in Ondo and Delta States that host Chevron Nigeria Limited (CNL) operations are urging the company to prioritize qualified local candidates in its newly announced job openings.

The Host Communities Development Trusts (HCDTs) Forum of CNL in Ondo and Delta has formally requested that Chevron allocate 70% of these roles to qualified individuals from the local areas.

In a letter to the CNL Chairman and Managing Director, representatives from the Egbema-OPUDIS HCDT, led by Mr. Edward Doyah-Tiemo, emphasized the importance of this preference. They argued that such a measure would significantly impact local empowerment and foster economic growth across the South-West and South-South regions.

?Chevron Nigeria Limited recently published job openings, and we respectfully request that 70 percent preference be given to qualified candidates from the host communities,? the representatives stated. They argued that this approach aligns with Chevron?s corporate social responsibility (CSR) objectives and Nigeria?s Local Content Development Policy.

In addition, the communities urged Chevron to convert contract workers from the host regions, especially those involved in the VTP (Vocational Training Program) 5 and other trainees, to permanent staff positions. The conversion, they argued, would enhance job security, improve employee morale, and ensure skill retention among local workers, while also fostering a stronger relationship between Chevron and its host communities.

The communities proposed that Chevron establish a ?clear conversion framework? for host community contract workers, as well as implement policies aimed at awarding 70% of contracts to local contractors. They further requested a meeting between Chevron?s management and HCDT leaders to discuss these proposals, stating that such an initiative would reflect Chevron?s commitment to both its employees and community contractors.

These host community representatives believe that meeting these requests would strengthen Chevron?s social responsibility goals and contribute to sustainable economic growth in their regions.(Vanguard)