The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has reiterated its dedication to executing the Train 7 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects for Bonny Kingdom.
This reaffirmation follows the suspension of a planned protest by the Bonny Youth Federation (BYF) on Monday, aimed at disrupting social and economic activities in Bonny Kingdom over alleged neglect by oil multinationals, particularly NLNG.
In a statement by Sophia Horsfall, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, the company emphasized its unwavering commitment to social investment initiatives and Nigerian Content development for its host community, Bonny Kingdom, and Rivers State.
“Our attention has been drawn to concerns regarding the status of NLNG’s Train 7-related CSR projects in Bonny Kingdom and reports of plans for a protest at various work sites. NLNG wishes to unequivocally reassure stakeholders that it remains fully committed to delivering social investments and Nigerian Content benefits to Bonny Kingdom and Rivers State,” the statement read.
NLNG highlighted some of the ongoing projects under its CSR initiatives, including the Shell Gate-Coal Beach with a Spur to the Perekule Palace Road and the Bonny Vehicular Terminal (BVT). The company disclosed that these projects had reached significant milestones, with the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase completed and the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) phase underway. Both projects are set to commence immediately and are expected to be completed by 2027.
The statement further underscored NLNG’s history of impactful CSR projects associated with Trains 1 to 6, which have brought substantial benefits to Bonny Kingdom and positioned it as a regional model for sustainable development.
“NLNG remains committed to fostering a sustainable and prosperous future for Bonny Kingdom, aligning with its vision of improving lives sustainably. The Train 7 project is not only a pivotal driver of gas development in Nigeria but also a vital source of community development and Nigerian Content benefits in the Niger-Delta region,” NLNG stated.
Tensions leading to the planned protest began to escalate on Sunday night, as the Bonny Youth Federation mobilized to shut down entry and exit points to the island, including markets and offices. However, intervention by key stakeholders, including the Bonny Local Government Council, Rivers State Government, the police, and oil companies, successfully averted the action.
The Finima Youth Congress (FYC), a group considered a wing of the Bonny Youth Federation, distanced itself from the planned protest, describing it as an incursion into their area by Bonny people. This led to accusations from the BYF and the Bonny Kingdom Development Committee, who alleged that Finima youths were sponsored to sabotage the protest.
With tensions mounting, authorities and international oil companies engaged in swift negotiations to prevent the protest from proceeding on Monday.
