Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has disbursed N250 million in grants to 51 entrepreneurs at the end of its 2026 Vocational Innovation and Business Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), which began with the induction of 103 participants from its host communities in Rivers State.
The grants followed a competitive pitch-a-thon where participants presented their business ideas and funding needs before a panel of judges.
According to a statement by NLNG’s manager, corporate communication and public affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, selections were based on the viability, scalability, and sustainability of each proposal.
Speaking at the event, NLNG’s general manager, external relations and sustainable development, Sophia Horsfall, said the funding component was introduced to help participants move from training to actual business implementation.
“What we are doing with this funding is bridging the gap between learning and execution. Many small businesses struggle at that stage where they have the knowledge but lack the capital to move forward. Through VIBES, we are providing targeted support to help these entrepreneurs implement their ideas, stabilise their operations, and position their businesses for growth,” she said.
Horsfall added that the initiative reflects NLNG’s broader approach to community development by combining training with financial support.
“It is about providing sustainable livelihoods,” she said.
The manager, community relations and sustainable development, Yemi Adeyemi, commended participants for their commitment throughout the programme and the quality of ideas presented during the pitch-a-thon.
He said the funding would serve as growth capital to help beneficiaries expand operations, improve productivity, create jobs, and strengthen their market position.
The pitch-a-thon marked the end of a four-week business training programme where participants received practical instruction in financial management, business strategy, marketing and operations.
NLNG’s VIBES programme is an entrepreneurship development initiative designed to support micro and small business owners in its host communities through structured training, mentorship and grant funding.
The scheme, which replaced the company’s former Youth Empowerment Scheme, is part of NLNG’s wider effort to promote sustainable economic development, build local capacity and encourage job creation in Rivers State and other host communities.
