NLNG expands programme with induction of 103 beneficiaries
Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas’ (NLNG’s) economic empowerment initiative, the Vocational Innovation Business and Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), has inducted a new cohort of 103 trainees into its 2026 empowerment programme. The
Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas’ (NLNG’s) economic empowerment initiative, the Vocational Innovation Business and Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), has inducted a new cohort of 103 trainees into its 2026 empowerment programme.
The induction, held in Port Harcourt, marked a milestone in the scheme’s ongoing commitment to skills development and sustainable economic empowerment.
A statement by NLNG’s Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs, Annie-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, said the newly-inducted trainees would undergo a structured series of capacity-building sessions, culminating in a competitive pitching phase, during which the most viable business proposals would be selected based on clearly defined evaluation criteria.
Palmer-Ikuku said 26 beneficiaries from the previous cohort successfully completed their training and graduated from the programme. They received grant support in the preceding year, marking the close of their training.
The statement said one year after receiving support, several of the graduates had strengthened their operations, enhanced financial management practices, expanded their customer base and transitioned from early-stage concepts to more structured, revenue-generating enterprises.
It said some had scaled up production and diversified their service offerings, demonstrating measurable business growth and improved operational stability.
Speaking at the induction in Port Harcourt, the statement quoted the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, as emphasising NLNG’s commitment to sustainable community development.
Horsefall said: “The VIBES programme reflects NLNG’s long-standing commitment to sustainable development in our host communities. Through targeted capacity building, access to innovative support and enterprise development opportunities, we are strengthening the local economy across our host and pipeline communities.
“The graduation of one cohort and the induction of another showcase the continuity of our investment in youth empowerment, innovation and enterprise development as key drivers of inclusive growth.”
She added that VIBES represented a strategic intervention aligned with NLNG’s broader sustainable development objectives.
The programme is designed to cultivate entrepreneurial capability and strengthen the networks required for emerging business leaders and community change-makers to thrive within their communities.
The Manager, Community Relations and Sustainable Development, Yemi Adeyemi, in a statement described the milestone as rewarding, noting the progress made by the graduating cohort.
Adeyemi said: “When we supported them last year, it was not only with training, but also with grants to help strengthen their businesses. A year later, we can see the difference, businesses are expanding, ideas have moved beyond the planning stage, and the beneficiaries are more confident in managing their ventures. This is the essence of VIBES, practical support that helps people make real progress.”
The statement described VIBES as NLNG’s economic empowerment programme designed to equip young entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge and support required to build sustainable livelihoods.
It said: “This integrated approach combines capacity development with funding support to enable participants scale their businesses, improve profitability and build sustainable enterprises.
“Economic empowerment remains a key component of NLNG’s broader sustainable development efforts, alongside education, infrastructure and health care. Through VIBES, the company aims to support more young entrepreneurs in building viable businesses, creating economic value and contributing meaningfully to the development of its host and pipeline communities across Rivers State.”
Participants receive practical training in financial management, marketing, business strategy and foundational legal principles, complemented by mentorship and advisory guidance from experienced professionals.
