NLNG Disburses ₦250m To 51 Entrepreneurs As 2026 VIBES Programme Concludes
By Rashidat Olushola Okunlade
Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has awarded a total of ₦250 million in business grants to 51 entrepreneurs following the successful conclusion of its 2026 Vocational Innovation and Business Empowerment Scheme (VIBES).
The beneficiaries emerged from a competitive pitch-a-thon that marked the finale of the programme, which initially inducted 103 participants drawn from the company’s host communities in Rivers State.
During the exercise, participants presented business proposals and funding plans before a panel of judges, with selections anchored on viability, scalability, and long-term sustainability.
Speaking at the event, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the grant component was deliberately structured to bridge the critical gap between training and execution.
“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 entrepreneurs implement their ideas, stabilise operations, and position their businesses for growth,” she stated.
Horsfall emphasised that the initiative reflects NLNG’s broader sustainable development framework, which integrates capacity building with financial support to deliver measurable economic outcomes.
“It is about creating sustainable livelihoods and enabling real economic value within our host communities,” she added.
Also speaking, Manager, Community Relations and Sustainable Development, Yemi Adeyemi, commended participants for their commitment and the quality of innovations showcased during the pitch session.
He noted that the grants are designed to provide critical growth capital, enabling beneficiaries to scale operations, enhance productivity, generate employment, and strengthen their market positioning.
The pitch-a-thon concluded a four-week intensive training programme focused on practical business competencies, including financial management, strategy development, marketing, and operational efficiency.
By combining enterprise training with access to capital, the VIBES initiative reinforces NLNG’s commitment to inclusive economic development, fostering entrepreneurship and supporting sustainable business growth across its host communities.
