Ziggy Ojiegbe

Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited has awarded ₦250 million in grants to 51 entrepreneurs following the conclusion of its 2026 Vocational Innovation and Business Empowerment Scheme (VIBES).

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The beneficiaries emerged from a pool of 103 participants drawn from the company’s host communities in Rivers State, after a competitive pitch session where entrepreneurs presented business ideas to a panel of judges.

Selections were based on viability, scalability and long-term sustainability.

Speaking at the event, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the funding is aimed at helping participants move from training to actual business execution.

She noted that many small businesses struggle to access startup capital after acquiring skills, adding that the VIBES programme is designed to close that gap and support entrepreneurs in stabilising and growing their operations.

Also speaking, NLNG’s Manager for Community Relations and Sustainable Development, Yemi Adeyemi, said the grants would provide critical capital for expansion, improved productivity and job creation.

The pitch-a-thon marked the end of a four-week training programme that covered financial management, business strategy, marketing and operations.

NLNG said the initiative reflects its broader strategy of combining skills development with financial support to drive sustainable livelihoods and economic growth in its host communities.