Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has inducted a new cohort of 103 trainees into its economic empowerment initiative, the Vocational Innovation Business and Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), as part of its 2026 program.

The induction ceremony, held on Monday in Port Harcourt, marks another step in the company’s ongoing commitment to skills development and sustainable economic empowerment in its host communities.

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Under the program, the newly inducted trainees will undergo a structured series of capacity-building sessions. The training will culminate in a competitive pitching phase where participants will present business proposals, with the most viable ideas selected based on defined evaluation criteria.

At the same event, 26 beneficiaries from the previous cohort successfully graduated from the program after completing their training and receiving grant support in the past year.

One year after receiving support, several of the graduates have strengthened their business operations, improved financial management practices, expanded their customer base, and moved from early-stage concepts to more structured, revenue-generating enterprises. Some beneficiaries have also scaled up production and diversified their services, demonstrating measurable growth and improved operational stability.

Speaking at the ceremony, NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the program reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to sustainable community development.

“The VIBES program 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,” she said.

Horsfall noted that the graduation of one cohort and the induction of another highlights the continuity of NLNG’s investment in youth empowerment, innovation, and enterprise development as drivers of inclusive growth.

She added that the initiative aligns with the company’s broader sustainable development goals by building entrepreneurial capability and strengthening networks needed for emerging business leaders and community change-makers to thrive.

Also speaking at the event, the Manager, Community Relations and Sustainable Development, Yemi Adeyemi, described the milestone as rewarding, noting the progress made by the graduating cohort.

“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,” he said.

The VIBES initiative is designed to equip young entrepreneurs with practical skills in financial management, marketing, business strategy, and basic legal principles. Participants also receive mentorship and advisory support from experienced professionals.

Economic empowerment remains a key part of NLNG’s broader sustainable development strategy, alongside investments in education, infrastructure, and healthcare. Through the program, the company aims to support more young entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses and contributing to the economic growth of its host and pipeline communities across Rivers State.