Add us on Google
Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) has disbursed a total of ₦250 million in grants to 51 entrepreneurs under its 2026 Vocational Innovation and Business Empowerment Scheme (VIBES), as part of efforts to strengthen entrepreneurship and economic growth in its host communities in Rivers State.
The disbursement followed the conclusion of the 2026 edition of the programme, which began with the induction of 103 participants drawn from NLNG’s host communities. The beneficiaries emerged after a competitive pitch-a-thon where participants presented business ideas and funding proposals before a panel of judges.
According to NLNG, winners were selected based on the viability, scalability, and long-term sustainability of their business plans.
Funding aimed at bridging gap between training and execution
Speaking during the closing event, NLNG’s General Manager for External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, said the grant initiative was designed to ensure that beneficiaries move beyond training into actual business implementation.
She explained that many small businesses often struggle at the stage where entrepreneurs possess technical knowledge but lack the capital required to launch or expand their ventures.
“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,” Horsfall said.
She added that through VIBES, NLNG is providing targeted financial support to help entrepreneurs execute their ideas, stabilise operations, and position their businesses for long-term growth.
Horsfall noted that the initiative aligns with NLNG’s wider sustainable development strategy, which combines capacity building with funding support to create measurable economic impact in local communities.
Four-week training programme supports business growth
Also speaking, Manager for Community Relations and Sustainable Development, Yemi Adeyemi, praised participants for their commitment throughout the four-week programme and commended the quality of ideas presented during the pitch-a-thon.
He said the grants are intended to serve as growth capital that will enable beneficiaries to scale operations, improve productivity, generate employment, and strengthen their market competitiveness.
The VIBES programme included intensive training in financial management, business strategy, marketing, and operations, equipping participants with practical skills needed to run sustainable enterprises.
NLNG said the scheme remains part of its broader commitment to inclusive economic development by supporting entrepreneurship, building local capacity, and creating sustainable livelihoods across its host communities.
Read also: Airtel Empower Her reaches women entrepreneurs with SME training, grants
