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  • Train 7 project 80% complete, as NCDMB, NLNG scales up human capacity training

    Train 7 project 80% complete, as NCDMB, NLNG scales up human capacity training

    The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited have inaugurated 140 trainees for an intensive three-month Advanced Nigerian Content Human Capital Development (NC-HCD) Programme for the $5 billion NLNG Train 7 Project on Bonny Island, Rivers State.

    The trainees, who are graduates in different academic disciplines, had completed a 12-month Basic Training Programme in diverse oil-and-gas-industry-related skill sets and are now for the on-the-job phase.

    This phase includes active hands-on participation in operational areas such as Turnaround Maintenance (TAM), Commissioning, and Desktop Programmes, among others.

    In November last year , a set of 331 trainees under Batch A of the NLNG T7 HCD Training Programme had begun capacity development in facility management, engineering, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Health Safety and Environment (HSE), Quality Assurance and Quality Control, as well as welding and fabrication.

    Another set of 77 trainees under Batch B of the same Training Programme began capacity development in data analytics and supply chain management among several other fields relevant to the operations of the oil and gas industry.   

    Addressing the trainees and trainers drawn from the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN) as well as Management personnel of the NCDMB and NLNG, the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, said the Advanced NC-HCD training is more than a milestone, but an expression of the collective commitment of the Board and the NLNG “to nurturing world-class Nigerian professionals who will shape the future of our oil and gas industry.”   

    Read Also: NCDMB boss appointed to APPO executive board

    He said the Board has remained steadfast in its conviction that Human Capital Development is “a critical investment in the sustainability and competiveness” of Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain, pointing out that over 400 Nigerians have undergone basic training in diverse technical, vocational, and specialized areas and are equipped with practical skills directly aligned with industry needs.

    According to the NCDMB boss, who was represented by the Manager, Human Capital Development, Tarilate Teide-Bribena, the Board and NLNG are “advancing even further by formally launching the on-the-job component of the NLNG Train 7 NC-HCD Programme,” which would see 140 bright and promising Nigerians gain practical exposure and real-time experience across technical domains within the NLNG operational plants in Bonny Island.

    He commended the NLNG, which he described as “a trusted and forward-looking partner in the development of [Nigeria’s] human capital base,” for its unwavering partnership, noting that the company has not only complied with Nigerian Content requirements but “has consistently shown leadership in embracing the spirit of national capacity building.”

     Ogbe also acknowledged the critical role of OGTAN for being instrumental in aligning training content, delivery standards, and capacity development frameworks with the actual needs of the industry. The trainers, he noted, have helped to bridge the gap between training and employability – ensuring that trainees do not just learn but are ready to add value from day one.

    In her remarks,  General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development of the NLNG, Sophia Horsfall, expressed profound appreciation to the NCDMB for productive collaboration on the HCD Programme, which she described as “a reaffirmation of NLNG’s unwavering commitment to human capital development.”

    She said the support of the NCDMB has enabled the NLNG to effectively carry out its programme for the development of a strong, skilled and highly professional workforce for the country’s oil and gas industry. The trainings, she noted, are particularly significant as the NLNG Train 7 Project, which involves very advanced technology, has reached 80 per cent completion, and highly skilled technical manpower would be required. Final Investment Decision on the project was signed in December 2019.

    On what she described as “robust, advanced … on-the-job training programme,” Hosfall disclosed that the trainees would work within the facilities of the NLNG on Bonny Island.

    In closing remarks, the Nigerian Content Manager , NLNG, Engr. Dagogo Buowari, thanked the NCDMB for the partnership between the two organisations, and expressed his belief that the industry would continue to benefit from their collective endeavours.

    He advised trainees to get themselves organised for their three-month programme on Bonny Island, which begins on June 16, 2025, and to ensure they do not become distracted in the course of their training.

  • NLNG receives 112 submissions for $100,000 prize for science

    NLNG receives 112 submissions for $100,000 prize for science

    A total of 112 entries have been submitted for the 2025 edition of the Nigeria Prize for Science, organized by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG). The entries were officially handed over to the Prize’s Advisory Board at a high-profile ceremony held in Lagos.

    The prestigious award, valued at $100,000, centers this year on the theme: “Innovations in ICT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies for Development.” It aims to spotlight transformative solutions that can advance Nigeria’s digital economy, strengthen industries, and tackle national challenges through science and technology.

    At the ceremony, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, praised the impressive number of submissions as a reflection of the growing culture of innovation in Nigeria and beyond.

    “This enthusiastic participation reflects a shared vision of science as a driver of sustainable progress. Each of these 112 entries embodies the potential to help shape Nigeria’s future,” she stated.

    Horsfall emphasized that Nigeria’s vibrant youth population and expanding digital landscape provide fertile ground for groundbreaking innovation in AI and ICT. “This year’s theme is in tune with the global move towards digital transformation. As Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria is well positioned to deliver scalable, world-class solutions,” she said.

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    The entries were received by the Chair of the Advisory Board and a prominent scientist, Barth Nnaji who lauded the quality and diversity of the submissions.

    “The volume and depth of these entries promise a highly competitive selection process. We expect to discover innovative breakthroughs with real-world impact,” he remarked.

    Nnaji also underscored the transformative power of AI across diverse sectors, citing its application in precision agriculture, intelligent healthcare systems, and personalized education.

    “These are not distant ideas—they’re already redefining how we live and work,” he noted.

    An independent panel of judges will now assess the submissions based on merit, originality, and potential impact. This evaluation phase is pivotal in selecting the most promising scientific contributions from Nigeria and its diaspora.

    Joining Nnaji on the Advisory Board are Nike Akande, a two-time former Minister of Industry, and Baba Yusuf Abubakar, a renowned expert in quantitative genetics and animal breeding.

  • NLNG unveils $1,300 VIBES economic empowerment scheme for Rivers youths

    NLNG unveils $1,300 VIBES economic empowerment scheme for Rivers youths

    The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited has launched a new economic empowerment initiative, the Vocational, Innovation, Business, and Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), which will offer business grants of $1,300 each to the top 50 participants in Rivers State.

    The scheme was inaugurated on Monday in Port Harcourt, as announced by NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr. Sophia Horsfall, through the Manager of Community Relations and Sustainable Development, Charles Epelle.

    The scheme, formerly known as Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES), is aimed at ensuring growth and sustainability of small businesses owned and managed by previous YES beneficiaries.

    Speaking at the relaunch event in Port Harcourt, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr Sophia Horsfall said VIBES stands for Vocational, Innovation, Business, and Empowerment Scheme.

    She said “NLNG believes that entrepreneurship is not just about starting and running a business, it is about creating opportunities that uplift the communities to drive economic growth and spark positive social change.”

    “In line with NLNG’s vision of improving lives sustainably, VIBES is a deliberate programme to engender entrepreneurial knowledge, and the networks needed to grow entrepreneurs and change-makers in our communities.”

    Read Also: NLNG literary prize: 252 entries received

    Over 1400 youths from NLNG’s host and pipeline communities in Rivers state had been trained in 10 different empowerment programmes since inception of YES in 2004 though less than 300 are said to be operating viable business till date. The crafts include Automotive, Advanced welding, Catering and Hotel management, Fashion Designing and Cosmetology, Farm Management, Information and Communication Technology as well as Photography and Video Production.

    Dr Horsfall who was represented at the event by the Manager, Community Relations and Sustainable Development, Charles Epelle said “We believe that VIBES will foster an environment where individuals can create businesses, generate employment, and become innovators. This belief drives our commitment to nurturing local capacity and enabling individuals to become creators of jobs, wealth, and lasting impact”

    Speaking further, she said the programme is a modern approach to economic empowerment which “offers enhanced support through networking opportunities, grants, resources, and mentorship to help participants refine and scale up their ideas.”

    VIBES came into force last year as a way of refining the implementation of the company’s YES programme, which was initially designed to make the participating youths economically and socially responsible and self-reliant through guided technical and managerial development training.

    In conceptualizing VIBES, NLNG assembled experts in entrepreneurship, business development, law, technology and innovations and several other fields for continued training and mentorship of the select business operators to ensure continued survival, growth and sustainability of such businesses.

    VIBES will provide comprehensive business training, which includes courses on financial management, marketing, strategic planning, law and legal practices and more. It shall also provide personalized advisory services and structured mentorship from seasoned business to the participants.

    Beneficiaries will be administered professional, practical, participative training designed to build robust technical and managerial capacity.

    Participants in the top 50 will receive a grant of $1,300 each, disbursed in two tranches. This funding is intended to help upscale their business and as part of a broader support system that includes mentorship, networking, and additional advisory services.

    In the end, The VIBES Alumni Network will be created and is designed to provide continued mentorship, networking, and support after the completion of the programme, helping past beneficiaries to share experiences and access further opportunities.

    Economic Empowerment is one of the four pillars of NLNG’s community development drive. Others are education, infrastructure development and healthcare.

  • NLNG launches new empowerment strategy

    NLNG launches new empowerment strategy

    The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) has relaunched one of its key economic empowerment programmes formerly known as Youth Empowerment Scheme (YES) as a way of spurring the growth of small businesses and youths within it’s over 110 host and pipeline communities in Rivers State.

    The scheme, now known as Vocational, Innovation, Business, and Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), is to ensure growth and sustainability of small businesses owned and managed by previous YES beneficiaries.

    Speaking at the relaunch event in Port Harcourt, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, NLNG, Dr Sophia Horsfall said the NLNG believes that entrepreneurship is not just about starting and running a business, but it is about creating opportunities that uplift the communities to drive economic growth and spark positive social change.”

    “In line with NLNG’s vision of improving lives sustainably, VIBES is a deliberate programme to engender entrepreneurial knowledge, and the networks needed to grow entrepreneurs and change-makers in our communities,” Horsfall said.

    Dr Horsfall who was represented at the event by the Manager, Community Relations and Sustainable Development, Charles Epelle noted that  VIBES will foster an environment where individuals can create businesses, generate employment, and become innovators. This belief, he said, drives the firm’s commitment to nurturing local capacity and enabling individuals to become creators of jobs, wealth, and lasting impact.

    Speaking further, she said the programme is a modern approach to economic empowerment which “offers enhanced support through networking opportunities, grants, resources, and mentorship to help participants refine and scale up their ideas.”

    Read Also: NLNG maritime services achieves 13 milion man-hour without lost time in 2024 — MD

    VIBES came into force last year as a way of refining the implementation of the company’s YES programme, which was initially designed to make the participating youths economically and socially responsible and self-reliant through guided technical and managerial development training.

    In conceptualizing VIBES, NLNG assembled experts in entrepreneurship, business development, law, technology and innovations and several other fields for continued training and mentorship of the select business operators to ensure continued survival, growth and sustainability of such businesses.

    VIBES will provide comprehensive business training, which includes courses on financial management, marketing, strategic planning, law and legal practices and more. It shall also provide personalized advisory services and structured mentorship from seasoned business to the participants.

    Beneficiaries will be administered professional, practical, participative trainings designed to build robust technical and managerial capacity.

    Participants in the top 50 will receive a grant of $1,300 each, disbursed in two tranches. This funding is intended to help upscale their business and as part of a broader support system that includes mentorship, networking, and additional advisory services.

    In the end, The VIBES Alumni Network will be created and is designed to provide continued mentorship, networking, and support after the completion of the programme, helping past beneficiaries to share experiences and access further opportunities.

    Over 1400 youths from NLNG’s host and pipeline communities in Rivers state had been trained in 10 different empowerment programmes since inception of YES in 2004 though less than 300 are said to be operating viable business till date. The crafts include Automotive, Advanced welding, Catering and Hotel management, Fashion Designing and Cosmetology, Farm Management, Information and Communication Technology as well as Photography and Video Production.

  • NLNG literary prize: 252 entries received

    NLNG literary prize: 252 entries received

    Two hundred and fifty-two entries have been received for the 2025 Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Ltd.

    At a news conference held in Lagos, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, represented by Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku, manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, handed over the entries to the Prize’s Advisory Board, led by literary icon and past winner, Prof Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo.

    Read Also: NLNG prizes spotlight AI, Digital Innovation

    The entries were subsequently presented to the panel of judges, officially marking the start of what promises to be an intense and highly competitive adjudication process. The number of entries not only surpassed the 2024 figure of 163, but also exceeded the 2021 Prose Fiction cycle, which saw 202 submissions.

    Speaking at the handover ceremony, Horsfall, who was represented by the Manager, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Anne-Marie Palmer-Ikuku attributed the high number of entries to “a surge in literary creativity, demonstrating a reinvigorated passion for creative works and a deepened global awareness of Nigerian literature”.

    “This year’s record entries reaffirm the prize’s impact, proving that Nigerian literature is not only thriving but also commanding greater international recognition”, Horsfall said.

    “Today’s handover ceremony is a proof of the ingenuity, dedication, and relentless drive of NLNG, our respected advisory boards and judges, and every writer who has entered either for the Literature prize or the Literary Criticism prize. Our commitment to advancing excellence in the quality of literature to improve reading and literacy appetite through these noble prizes is in consonance with NLNG’s aspiration of improving lives sustainably, ”she added.

    Professor Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Advisory Board, expressed optimism that the calibre and volume of entries submitted this year would significantly elevate the quality of the competition. She noted that the remarkable diversity and depth of literary works would not only make the adjudication process more compelling, but also reaffirm the prize’s unwavering commitment to literary excellence.

    She urged the panel of judges to approach the process with the highest standards of integrity and objectivity, upholding the legacy of rigour and distinction that has become the hallmark of the Prize. According to her, the Advisory Board is fully engaged and anticipates every stage of the selection process with enthusiasm, as this edition may prove to be one of the most competitive in the history of the Prize.

    The Advisory Board also announced the receipt of 37 entries for The Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism.

    The Literature Prize carries a monetary award of $100,000, while the Literary Criticism Prize winner will receive $10,000.

    This year’s panel of judges is chaired by Professor Saeedat Bolajoko Aliyu of the Department of English and Linguistics Studies, Kwara State University. Other members of the panel include Prof. Stephen Mbanefo Ogene, Professor of English Language and Literature at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, and Mr Olakunle Kasumu, writer, filmmaker, producer, and host of Channels Television’s Book Club.

    Dr Grace Musila, an Associate Professor in the Department of African Literature at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, serves as the International Consultant for this year’s edition.

    Notable past winners in the Prose Fiction category include Kaine Agary (Yellow Yellow, 2008), Chika Unigwe (On Black Sisters’ Street, 2012), Abubakar Adam Ibrahim (Season of Crimson Blossoms, 2016), and Professor Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia, whose novel The Son of the House clinched the Prize in the 2020/21 edition. The inaugural edition of the Prize for Prose Fiction in 2004 did not produce a winner.

    The Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates annually across four literary genres: Prose Fiction, Poetry, Drama, and Children’s Literature.

    With top authors contending for the top honour and the judges tasked with identifying the very best, the 2025 edition of The Nigeria Prize for Literature promises to be an epic literary showdown.

    Regarded as Africa’s most prestigious literary prize, and one of the richest globally, The Nigeria Prize for Literature continues to set the standard for literary excellence.

  • NLNG maritime services achieves 13 milion man-hour without lost time in 2024 — MD

    NLNG maritime services achieves 13 milion man-hour without lost time in 2024 — MD

    The NLNG Shipping and Marine Services Limited (NSML) announced at the weekend that the year 2024 remains the best year for the company in terms of operational performance, as it achieved 13 million man-hours without Lost Time Injury (LTI).

    Disclosing this during the 2024 NSML Performance Recognition and Awards held in Bonny, Rivers State.

    Its Managing Director/CEO of NSML, Abdulkadir Ahmed disclosed that 2024 was also the best year for the company in terms of profitability and reliability.

    According to Abdulkadir Ahmed, “It was a watershed year. In terms of HSE, it was one of our best years. We were able to exceed 13 million man hours without LTI in 2024.

    “It was also a watershed year in terms of operational performance, both on our vessels, at the terminal, and our various work locations.

    “Operationally, we were able to exceed our best days when it comes to reliability and availability. But most importantly, it was also a watershed year in terms of our profitability. 2024 was our best year since inception when it comes to reliability.

    “All of this wouldn’t have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of all our people. And I underline all our people. All our people are not just those on our payroll, but all our people are essentially everybody associated with what we do. Our staff and our partners.

    “It shows really what can be achieved if we all work together, collaborate together, but most importantly, keep our eyes on the ball. So what are we here to do today? We are here really to celebrate that.

    “To appreciate everybody that has really contributed to what has been a wonderful year for us in NSML. And it is also a recognition for all our partners, because what we do wouldn’t be possible without those partners working hand-in-hand with us, buying into our vision and buying into what we’ve decided we want to deliver.

    Read Also: IWD 2025: SEREC salutes Nigerian women in maritime

    “And so, to name just a few, all the government agencies, the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Department of State Services (DSS), and all the relevant agencies that have worked with us, we want to say a big thank you for all that you do.

    “Now, what does it mean? Having achieved what we achieved in 2024, it basically entails that we have to go back and do the same. As we’ve always said in NSML, our strategic imperative still remains to be safe, to be reliable, but most importantly, to create value.

    “And I’m absolutely certain that if we continue to work together, if we continue to keep our eyes on the ball, but most importantly continue to support one another, pushing the boundaries of operational excellence, we will be safe, we will be reliable, and we will create value for all our stakeholders.

    “So I just want to say thank you once again for being here. I’m sure it’s going to be an excellent night. It will be a night where it’s not just about those who win something, but about everybody that has contributed to it.

    “And I’m absolutely certain that at the end of the night, we will all be changing to continue to work collaboratively and continue to deliver on what we’ve been delivering, so that we will ensure we exceed what we achieved last year. So thank you very much and have a wonderful evening.”

  • NLNG prizes spotlight AI, Digital Innovation

    NLNG prizes spotlight AI, Digital Innovation

    The Nigeria Prize for Science and the Nigeria Prize for Literature have opened submissions for their 2025 awards. This year, the Science Prize is looking for innovations in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies that can drive development. Meanwhile, the Literature Prize is calling for entries in Prose Fiction.

    The focus on AI comes as the technology continues to reshape global economies and industries, creating new job opportunities and transforming productivity. Recent studies suggest that AI could add between 2.6 trillion and 4.4 trillion to global corporate profits each year.

    “The rapid evolution of AI and digital technologies provides a unique opportunity for Nigeria and other developing nations to leapfrog traditional development trajectories. Our goal is to celebrate groundbreaking solutions that can directly impact Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable development,” said Prof. Barth Nnaji, Chairman of the Advisory Board for the science prize.

    “Artificial Intelligence isn’t just a tool; it’s a game-changer. From optimising agriculture in diverse climates to improving public health infrastructure and transforming Nigeria’s digital economy, AI holds immense potential to drive inclusive and sustainable growth,” he added.

    With a USD 100,000 prize, the science competition is open to global scientists and innovators whose completed works demonstrate a proof of concept and tangible social impact.

    The Nigeria Prize for Literature, one of the country’s most prestigious literary accolades, shifts its focus to Prose Fiction for the 2025 edition. Authors of Nigerian descent, resident anywhere in the world, are invited to submit books published from 2022 onward for a chance to win the USD 100,000 prize.

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    “Prose literature is a mirror reflecting our society. Through storytelling, we find ways to understand our collective experiences and envision a better future. This year’s competition promises to bring forward stories that resonate deeply with both local and global audiences,” remarked Prof. Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Advisory Board for literature prize.

    Prose Fiction continues to attract one of the highest number of entries since the inception of the prize in 2004. Last Prose Fiction cycle in 2000/2021 pulled over 200 entries for Nigeria authors. Only four (4) winning entries have emerged in the Prose Fiction competition since the inception of literature prize in 2004. Past winning entries include Yellow Yellow by Kaine Agari (2008); On Black Sisters’ Street by Chika Unigwe (2012); Season of Crimson Blossoms by Abubakar A.  Ibrahim (2016); and The Son of the House by Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia (2021).

    Complementing this is the Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, which seeks critical essays focused on contemporary Nigerian literature, particularly new writings in prose. The prize is worth USD 10,000.

    Speaking on the commencement of the prizes’ cycle, Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, emphasised the significance of the 2025 competitions. She stated that research have shown the immense potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital technologies in reshaping global industries and societies, offering innovative solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

    She stated that as the world transitions from the Industrial Age to the Intelligent Age, these advancements provide new opportunities to drive economic growth, foster social progress, and build a sustainable future.

    NLNG continues to contribute significantly to national development, by championing innovation, creativity and ensuring that science and literature remain vital pillars in shaping Nigeria’s future.

  • NLNG prizes spotlight AI, digital innovation

    NLNG prizes spotlight AI, digital innovation

    The Nigeria Prize for Science and the Nigeria Prize for Literature have opened submissions for their 2025 awards.

    This year, the Science Prize is looking for innovations in Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Digital Technologies that can drive development.

    Meanwhile, the Literature Prize is calling for entries in Prose Fiction.

    The focus on AI comes as the technology continues to reshape global economies and industries, creating new job opportunities and transforming productivity.

    Recent studies suggest that AI could add between 2.6 trillion and 4.4 trillion to global corporate profits each year.

    “The rapid evolution of AI and digital technologies provides a unique opportunity for Nigeria and other developing nations to leapfrog traditional development trajectories. Our goal is to celebrate groundbreaking solutions that can directly impact Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable development,” said Professor Barth Nnaji, Chairman of the Advisory Board for the science prize.

    Read Also: NLNG awarded Most Compliant Taxpayer by FIRS

    “Artificial Intelligence isn’t just a tool; it’s a game-changer. From optimising agriculture in diverse climates to improving public health infrastructure and transforming Nigeria’s digital economy, AI holds immense potential to drive inclusive and sustainable growth,” he added.

    With a USD 100,000 prize, the science competition is open to global scientists and innovators whose completed works demonstrate proof of concept and tangible social impact.

    The Nigeria Prize for Literature, one of the country’s most prestigious literary accolades, shifts its focus to Prose Fiction for the 2025 edition.

    Authors of Nigerian descent, and residents anywhere in the world, are invited to submit books published from 2022 onward for a chance to win the USD 100,000 prize.

    “Prose literature is a mirror reflecting our society. Through storytelling, we find ways to understand our collective experiences and envision a better future. This year’s competition promises to bring forward stories that resonate deeply with both local and global audiences,” remarked Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo, Chairperson of the Advisory Board for Literature Prize.

    Prose Fiction continues to attract one of the highest number of entries since the inception of the prize in 2004. The last Prose Fiction cycle in 2000/2021 pulled over 200 entries for Nigerian authors. Only four (4) winning entries have emerged in the Prose Fiction competition since the inception of the literature prize in 2004.

    Past winning entries include Yellow Yellow by Kaine Agari (2008); On Black Sisters’ Street by Chika Unigwe (2012); Season of Crimson Blossoms by Abubakar A.  Ibrahim (2016); and the Son of the House by Cheluchi Onyemelukwe-Onuobia (2021).

    Complementing this is the Nigeria Prize for Literary Criticism, which seeks critical essays focused on contemporary Nigerian literature, particularly new writings in prose. The prize is worth USD 10,000.

    Speaking on the commencement of the prizes cycle, Sophia Horsfall, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, emphasised the significance of the 2025 competitions.

    She stated that research has shown the immense potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), and digital technologies in reshaping global industries and societies, offering innovative solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.

    She stated that as the world transitions from the Industrial Age to the Intelligent Age, these advancements provide new opportunities to drive economic growth, foster social progress, and build a sustainable future.

    NLNG continues to contribute significantly to national development, by championing innovation, and creativity and ensuring that science and literature remain vital pillars in shaping Nigeria’s future.

  • NLNG builds youth capacity

    NLNG builds youth capacity

    The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) kicked off its Nigerian Content Human Capacity Development (NC-HCD) Basic Training Programme for the NLNG Train 7 Project, last week, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with a total of 331 young graduates from diverse academic disciplines benefiting.

    The NC-HCD Basic Training Programme for the NLNG Train 7 Project is a major NC programme aimed at re-skilling young graduates and developing human capital.

    The 331 young graduates emerged successful out of 848 previously shortlisted from the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content (NOGIC) Joint Qualification System (JQS) portal of the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB)

    They are undergoing a 12-month programme, and their areas of training include ICT, Engineering, Welding and Fabrication, Non-destructive Testing (NDT), Lifting and Working at Heights, Quality Management Systems, Marine and Offshore Services, and Facility Management and Maintenance.

    The NLNG Train 7 Corporate Liaison Manager, Engr. Joshua Anemeje, who represented the Train 7 project, during the opening event, said the execution of the project has progressed remarkably well and attributed the successful commencement of the NC-HCD Training Programme to the support of the NCDMB.

     “We are excited to see the number of young men and women this programme will impact. NLNG takes pride in empowering our people, providing an environment that builds skills and capabilities.

    As you know, the Train 7 Project is nearly 75 per cent complete, employing over 10,000 skilled individuals on-site. This training offers participants a chance to make the most of their learning and apply it in future endeavours,” Engr. Anemeje said.

    He pointed out that there are over 10,000 workers actively engaged in the construction of the Train 7 Project at the NLNG Plant Site at Finima, Bonny Island, Rivers State. He charged the trainees to stay focused and work toward utilising the skills they acquire for future endeavours.

    In his keynote address, the NCDMB Executive Secretary, Engr. Felix Ogbe, represented by the Director of Capacity Building and Corporate Services, Dr. Ama Ikuru, expressed joy that the training programme had finally taken off in fulfillment of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act requirement on human capital development.

    Read Also: NLNG awarded Most Compliant Taxpayer by FIRS

    He said the programme, designed to build a pool of skilled and globally competitive workers to support the development and growth of the Nigerian oil and gas industry and its related sectors, represents a crucial investment in the country’s future and remains a commitment to the empowerment of the next generation of skilled professionals.

    Addressing the trainees, Dr. Ikuru stated that the opportunity created by the NC-HCD programme will enable them to build a strong foundation in both knowledge and practical skills. He remarked that there was a clear pathway to employment for high-performing trainees.

    He further stated that young graduates seeking to benefit from similar training for oil and gas industry-related jobs can register on the NCDMB’s NOGIC JQS Portal, which is the statutorily established database for companies operating and providing services in the sector.

    The training is provided by the Oil and Gas Trainers Association of Nigeria (OGTAN). And the Train 7 Project is expected to increase the production capacity of the NLNG Terminal by 35 per cent, from the current 22 million metric tonnes per annum (mtpa) to 30 mtpa.

  • NLNG awarded Most Compliant Taxpayer by FIRS

    NLNG awarded Most Compliant Taxpayer by FIRS

    The Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has been honoured with the Most Compliant Taxpayer Award by the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) at the 2024 FIRS Day event, held during the Lagos International Trade Fair. This award, part of the FIRS Compliant Taxpayer Award and Recognition Programme, celebrates companies that consistently meet their tax obligations, thus strengthening Nigeria’s economic development.

    NLNG’s General Manager of External Relations, Sophia Horsfall, disclosed the achievement in a press statement yesterday, highlighting it as a major milestone for the company. This recent accolade follows NLNG’s 2021 FIRS Most Supportive Taxpayer Award, where the FIRS commended top taxpayers whose compliance contributed to the agency surpassing its tax collection targets.

    In the announcement, FIRS praised NLNG for its exemplary adherence to tax laws, noting the company’s substantial contribution to national development. The service acknowledged NLNG’s consistent fulfillment of tax responsibilities and its role in bolstering Nigeria’s economic growth.

    Read Also: Okonjo-Iweala is sole candidate for WTO DG position

    The award was accepted on behalf of NLNG by Titi Horsfall, Head of Editorial and Digital Content. NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Philip Mshebila, reflected on the recognition’s significance as it coincides with NLNG’s 35th anniversary of incorporation and 25 years of successful LNG production in Nigeria. Dr. Mshebila emphasized that the award affirms NLNG’s commitment to Nigeria’s progress, especially in the energy sector.

    “We are honored to receive this prestigious recognition from the Federal Inland Revenue Service. It reflects the dedication of our Board, management, and staff, who work tirelessly to ensure that NLNG remains a responsible corporate entity. This award also reinforces our ongoing commitment to contributing to the sustainable development of Nigeria’s economy,” Dr. Mshebila said.

    He further underscored that NLNG’s focus on compliance aligns with its mission to lead in energy on a global scale, advancing Nigeria’s energy sector and uplifting communities through responsible business practices.