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 ceremony, held in Port Harcourt on Monday, marked a significant milestone in the scheme’s ongoing commitment to skills development and sustainable economic empowerment.

The newly inducted trainees will undergo a structured series of capacity-building sessions, culminating in a competitive pitching phase, during which the most viable business proposals will be selected based on clearly defined evaluation criteria.

Simultaneously, 26 beneficiaries from the previous cohort successfully completed their training and graduated from the programmme. They received grant support in the preceding year, marking the close of their training.

One year after receiving support, several of the graduates have strengthened their operations, enhanced financial management practices, expanded their customer base, and transitioned from early-stage concepts to more structured, revenue-generating enterprises.

Some have scaled up production and diversified their service offerings, demonstrating measurable business growth and improved operational stability.

Speaking at the induction ceremony in Port Harcourt, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, emphasised NLNG’s commitment to sustainable community development, stating:

“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 represents 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.

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. That is the essence of VIBES, practical support that helps people make real progress.”

VIBES is NLNG’s economic empowerment programme designed to equip young entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and support required to build sustainable livelihoods. Participants receive practical training in financial management, marketing, business strategy, and foundational legal principles, complemented by mentorship and advisory guidance from experienced professionals.

This integrated approach combines capacity development with funding support to enable participants to 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 healthcare. 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.

Following the relaunch of the programme, 26 participants have so far benefited from the grant and completed their training under the initiative.

Thirty-three young graduates of engineering, geology and related disciplines on Friday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, underwent opening formalities for a 12-month training programme in pipeline engineering, corrosion control and monitoring.

Organised under the Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited and MJD Oilfield Services Limited Nigerian Content Human Capital Development (NC HCD) Training Programme, in partnership with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), the training is geared towards developing expertise for protection and sustenance of the country’s energy infrastructure.

Trainees will have classroom technical sessions, simulation-based learning, field demonstrations, on-the-job training, mentorship and coaching, case study reviews, and continuous assessment and evaluation. Expected outcomes of the programme include skilled project-ready personnel, measurable local content impact, creation of pipeline integrity talent pool, and long-term infrastructure reliability.

In an address at the event, the Manager, Human Capital Development, NCDMB, Mrs. Tarilate Bribena-Teide, who represented the Executive Secretary of the Board, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said pipeline pigging, a process involving insertion of devices called pigs into pipelines for cleaning, gauging, etc. to ensure integrity of the system, and corrosion control, protect the pipelines, prevent costly failures, and safeguard the environment and the economy.

She noted that the expertise gained from the training would position trainees to contribute meaningfully to major national projects such as the Ajaokuta-Kaduna-Kano (AKK) Gas Pipeline, measuring 614 kilometres, and many others, which as she explained, accords with the Board’s mandate to build local capacity, deepen Nigerian participation in the oil and gas industry, and create opportunities that drive national growth.

The HCD Manager expressed appreciation to Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited for its partnership with the Board and commitment to developing Nigerian talent. She urged the trainees to approach the programme with discipline and determination, noting that lessons gained would shape them into professionals capable of solving real industry problems.

In his own remarks, a representative of Renaissance Africa, Engr. Funso Alabi, thanked NCDMB profoundly for its support to the company and for all it has done toward growth of the Nigerian oil and gas industry. While highlighting the extraordinary achievements recorded in HCD since inception of the Board, with Nigerians occupying key positions in industry and others doing so well abroad, he said, “NCDMB has done so much” and that “the Board is turning Nigeria into a great nation.”

He also thanked MJD Oilfield Services for the calibre of trainers assembled to run the training programme.

For his part, the Managing Director, MJD, Mr. Olayemi Familusi, expressed gratitude to NCDMB and Renaissance, noting that changes in the oil and gas industry brought about by NCDMB initiatives are everywhere, particularly in the development of indigenous companies and human resources.

In closing remarks, Chief Austin Ugbunaia, Project Manager of MJD, thanked the Board and Renaissance for the opportunity to play a part in capacity development, while assuring them of quality training and exposure for the trainees.

The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) on Monday signed an international management agreement (IMA) with Radisson Hospitality Belgium, and Edison Hotel and Property Development Company, in respect of the Board’s 204 rooms hotel and conference center, developed adjacent the Nigerian Content Tower, Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

The management agreement was signed in Durban, South Africa by the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, Executive Chairman of Edison Corporation, Mr. Vivian Reedy and Director of Radisson, Mr. Garnier Erwan.

Signing the agreement in Durban, the Executive Secretary of NCDMB, confirmed that discussions, reviews, and compliance requirements had lasted over two years, and the agency secured the approval of all key stakeholders, including the Attorney‑General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Olasunkanmi Fagbemi, SAN.

“Their support ensured that the Agreement meets Nigeria’s legal and regulatory standards,” he said.

The aspiration, he added, is to deliver a world‑class hotel in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State with a fully equipped conference centre—designed to serve the oil and gas industry stakeholders and the Nigerian public.

He pledged NCDMB’s commitment to completing the hotel on schedule and achieving the opening in December. “We appreciate our responsibilities—construction quality, pre‑opening readiness, funding, safety and security compliance, and maintaining Radisson’s global standard. We will do our best to meet our obligations.”

He charged Radisson Hospitality to bring its expertise, systems, and brand strength to deliver a hotel that offers excellent service and guest experience.

He expressed hope that the partnership with Edison Hotels will create a facility that reflects global quality and supports Bayelsa’s position as an oil and gas hub.

He added that “this project reflects NCDMB’s commitment to using strategic investments to boost productivity, attract investment, build local content, and expand opportunities for business and tourism in Nigeria.

“When completed, the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Yenagoa will stand not only as a hotel, but also as a symbol of what strong partnerships can achieve.”

Executive Chairman of Edison Corporation, Mr. Vivian Reedy described his organisation’s role as a bridge between the owner and the operator, highlighting the group’s intensive experience in the hotel industry, and determination to ensure alignment, transparency, accountability and performance.

“We understand that a successful hotel is not just about buildings. It is about disciplined management, strong oversight, brand integrity, and a shared commitment to excellence,” he emphasized.

Part of the group’s responsibility is to ensure that the hotel is delivered, operated, and managed in a manner that protects and announces the owner’s investment, while fully supporting Radisson in achieving operational excellence, he added.

The Executive Chairman assured that working closely with Radisson and NCDMB’s team, the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center, Yenagoa will become the leading hospitality and conference destination in Bayelsa State, a catalyst for business and investment, and a symbol of quality professionalism and international standards.

He reported that the firm has had wonderful successes with Radisson in other locations, even achieving 95% occupancies. “Our approach is to strengthen governance, support performance, and ensure the interests of the owners are always safeguarded.”

He said “this project represents more than a hotel. It represents a partnership, a trust, and a long-term vision for sustainable value creation. We thank Radisson for its global expertise and operational excellence. Edison is fully committed to ensuring that the asset performs strongly, operates efficiently, and delivers lasting value to its owner.”

Mr. Wada Ahmed Wada who represented the Attorney‑General of the Federation described the signing ceremony as historic and wished the parties success in their business relationship.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a Presidential Petroleum Reform & Value Optimisation Taskforce to design and sequence the next phase of structural reforms in Nigeria’s petroleum sector.

Mr. Fola Adeola, co-Founder of Guaranty Trust Bank and Founder and Chairman of the Fate Foundation, is the Task Force’s chairman. As chairman, he will coordinate the group’s work and ensure the timely delivery of its mandate.

Other members of the Taskforce are: Ademola Adeyemi-Bero, Osagie Okunbor, Abubakar Suleiman, Adaeze Aguele, Farouk Gumel, Phillipa Osakwe-Okoye and Seyi Bella.

Mofoluwasho Fadayomi will serve as Secretary.

As constituted, the Taskforce is a time-bound, high-level executive working group tasked with producing execution-ready reform blueprints that will consolidate ongoing reforms, unlock capital within the petroleum sector, and strengthen Nigeria’s position as a leading global energy investment destination.

The initiative reflects the President’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s petroleum industry into a more competitive, transparent, and value-maximising sector capable of driving long-term economic growth, macroeconomic resilience, and industrial development.

It will operate as a technical reform body rather than a representative committee, engaging industry operators, regulators, investors, and civil society as consultees while focusing on actionable policy design and implementation strategies.

The Taskforce will report directly to the President and provide monthly progress memoranda. An interim report will be submitted after three months, while the final outputs are expected within six months of inauguration.

President Tinubu expects the Task Force to deliver three major reform blueprints.

One of the deliverables is the Implementation Toolkit for Immediate Structural Fixes – including draft legislative amendments, executive instruments, and institutional restructuring proposals.

The second deliverable is the Capital & Liquidity Acceleration Blueprint, aimed at unlocking $5–10 billion in sectoral liquidity while safeguarding Nigeria’s sovereign interests.

The third blueprint will focus on the National Energy Transformation Strategy – a ten-year roadmap with measurable targets for production, foreign exchange earnings, GDP contribution, and cost competitiveness.

President Tinubu has directed all Ministries, Departments, Agencies, regulators, and relevant institutions to provide full technical support to the Taskforce and to submit inventories of ongoing initiatives to ensure alignment with the emerging reform framework.

In furtherance of this directive, President Tinubu has also directed all existing committees, teams, and working groups established under various reform initiatives within the sector to align their activities, reporting structures, and work programmes with the new Task Force.

The streamlining will ensure coordination, avoid duplication of mandates, and provide institutional clarity, thereby ensuring coherence in the petroleum sector reform architecture.

The President has also directed that all relevant documentation, institutional knowledge, and ongoing workstreams should be made available to the Taskforce to support the development and implementation of its comprehensive reform framework.

The creation of the Taskforce represents a strategic presidential instrument to accelerate petroleum sector reforms, strengthen governance architecture, optimise national energy assets, and position Nigeria’s petroleum resources as a foundation for sustainable economic transformation.

The Taskforce will automatically dissolve upon submission and acceptance of its final report.

Dr. Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s GM, External Relations & Sustainable Development (seating 3rd from left), and participants at the close of the 2026 #NLNGChangeYourStory Workshop for journalists in Lagos.

NLNG has demonstrated its dedication to media development in Nigeria through the successful completion of the second edition of the #NLNGChangeYourStory workshop for 2026, which took place in Lagos.

The workshop convened 40 participants representing diverse media outlets to examine the changing landscape of journalism shaped by artificial intelligence and digital communication.

Discussions centered on how new media technologies can support real-time reporting, extend audience reach across borders, and foster deeper, more effective engagement on digital platforms.

Speaking at the event, the General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development at NLNG, Sophia Horsfall, described the workshop as part of the company’s broader effort to strengthen engagement with the media while supporting professional excellence in journalism.

She noted that the initiative reflects NLNG’s belief that well-informed reporting plays an important role in shaping public understanding of critical sectors such as energy, economic development, and sustainability.

She encouraged participants to leverage the insights and practical knowledge gained during the workshop to elevate the quality, depth, and credibility of their reporting.

“NLNG views this engagement as a strategic partnership. We provide the energy that powers nations and generates revenue for our nation; you provide the information that powers our minds. We have been proud to host you, but our pride will only be justified when we see the ‘New Standard’ in your next feature, your next broadcast, and your next investigative report. As you head back to your various stations, I urge you to take the spirit of this workshop with you.”

The programme combined expert-led discussions with hands-on learning. Digital communication specialist, Dan Mason guided participants through key aspects of digital storytelling, while veteran journalist, Taiwo Obe led a practical Journalism Clinic.

Together, the sessions equipped participants with practical skills in data visualisation, online verification, audience engagement and managing a strong digital presence.

Through the workshop, NLNG reiterated its commitment to promoting journalistic excellence and supporting the media industry’s digital transformation.

The #NLNGChangeYourStory programme has now empowered over 400 journalists with enhanced digital communication and social media skills across its various editions.

President Bola Tinubu has constituted an 11-member committee to ensure the smooth sailing incorporation of the Grid Asset Management Company Limited (GAMCO).

The constitution of the committee followed the Federal Executive Council’s approval for the establishment of the company at its Wednesday meeting. In proposing GAMCO, President Tinubu hopes to fast-track a quick-fix solution to the endemic problems of stranded power, grid management and transmission in the country’s electricity sector.

The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, who performed the inauguration on behalf of the President, said the committee was critical to the realisation of President Tinubu’s aspirations in Nigeria’s power sector.

“The proposed establishment of GAMCO is one of the revolutionary steps taken by Mr President and this administration in the all – important power sector.  We are here for the inauguration of the Committee on Grid Asset Management Company (GAMCO), which is basically to optimise and revolutionise power generation, and in particular, the grid and transmission sector,” the Chief of Staff said.

He called on members to align with the President’s vision in proposing the formation of GAMCO and to stick to the committee’s mandate.

The Chief of Staff said the committee will conduct a comprehensive review of existing laws, regulations, policies, and institutional frameworks governing the electricity value chain, including generation, transmission, distribution, and market operations.

It will examine the implications of the Electricity Reform Laws (2025) and related unbundling arrangements on asset ownership, management, and regulatory oversight. It will identify areas of conflict, overlap, or inconsistency between the proposed GAMCO framework and extant legal and regulatory instruments.

The committee will also assess the legal status, ownership structure, and contractual obligations of the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) and National Integrated Power Project (NIPP) assets, including the Omotosho, Olorunshogo, and Ihovbor plants, which GAMCO plans to use for its pilot phase.

It will evaluate the interface between GAMCO’s proposed mandate and the statutory functions of the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission, and determine the fiscal, financial, and market implications of the proposal, including subsidy exposure, market liquidity, and revenue frameworks.

In addition, the committee will determine whether the establishment and operationalisation of GAMCO require amendments to primary legislation, subsidy regulations, and executive directives.

The Chief of Staff to the President is the Chairman of the Committee, with the Attorney–General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and the Ministers of Power, Works, and Finance as members.

Others include the Ministers of Communication and Digital Economy, Science, Technology and Innovation, Aviation and Aerospace Development, the Minister of State (Petroleum), the Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service, and energy expert Professor Yemi Oke.  The Permanent Secretary of the Cabinet Affairs Office, Dr John Chidiebere Ezeamama, is the committee’s secretary.

The Grid Asset Management Company Limited (GAMCO) aims to recover and optimise stranded power generation using the Benin-Lagos transmission corridor as a pilot phase.

The initiative will address Nigeria’s power sector challenges through optimisation, private capital mobilisation, and disciplined asset management, ultimately improving electricity reliability and national competitiveness.

The Federal Government will fully own GAMCO as a commercial venture, with the shares held by the Ministry of Finance Incorporated.

The company will modernise transmission evacuation, starting from the most critical axis within Nigeria’s power system. The Benin-Lagos transmission corridor evacuates bulk power supply to Ogun and Lagos states, Nigeria’s largest industrial and commercial centres.

The pilot phase will focus on optimising power output from the Omotosho, Olorunsogo and Ihovbor National Integrated Power Plants (NIPP plants). Omotoso’s installed capacity is 513MW, Olorunsogo’s 754 MW, and Ihovbor’s 508 MW.

GAMCO projects to recover at least 1,600 MW within 18-24 months, alongside the development of a new high-capacity 330V+ double-circuit transmission line along the same corridor.

The success of the new company during the pilot phase will lead to the establishment of a scalable model that can be extended across additional plants and corridors, forming the backbone of long-term grid stabilisation and expansion.

At present, substantial Federal Government investment in NIPP generation assets remains under-optimised due to operational inefficiencies and transmission evacuation bottlenecks, resulting in stranded capacity and suboptimal return on public capital.

GAMCO plans to unlock the stranded power of the three selected NIPP and develop a parallel high-capacity transmission corridor along the Benin-Lagos axis, thus translating underperforming national assets into reliably delivered megawatts.

As proposed, the Niger Delta Power Holding Company will grant GAMCO the concession and lease arrangements for the three plants. TCN will grant GAMCO the right to develop, finance, and operate a greenfield 330KV+ double-circuit independent power transmission line along the identified corridor.

The ultimate aim of the initiative is to enhance industrial productivity, safeguard jobs, improve investor confidence, and boost welfare outcomes for Nigerian households, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.