The Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) has assured its stakeholders that plans for Train 7 Corporate Social Responsibility Projects for Bonny Kingdom are on course.
The assurance is directly linked to the suspension on Monday of the planned protest scheduled to commence that morning by the Bonny Youth Federation to shut down social and economic activities in Bonny Kingdom against alleged neglect by oil multinationals on the island, especially the NLNG.
In a statement by NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, the company reassured stakeholders that it remained fully committed to delivering social investments and Nigerian Content benefits to its host community, Bonny Kingdom, and Rivers State.
It said: “Our attention has been drawn to reports of concerns regarding the status of NLNG’s Train 7-related Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects in Bonny Kingdom, as well as plans for a protest at the various work sites. NLNG wishes to unequivocally reassure all stakeholders that it remains fully committed to delivering social investments and Nigerian Content benefits to its host community, Bonny Kingdom, and Rivers State.”
NLNG went ahead to list some of the projects planned as part of its CSR initiatives, including two major projects—the Shell Gate-Coal Beach with a Spur to the Perekule Palace Road and the Bonny Vehicular Terminal (BVT)—saying that the projects have been carefully identified and agreed upon with all relevant stakeholders.
“The Shell Gate-Coal Beach with a Spur to the Perekule Palace Road and the Bonny Vehicular Terminal project have already reached a major milestone with the completion of the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) phase and the commencement of the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contracting phase.
“Both projects are on track for immediate commencement and slated for completion in 2027,” the statement read in part.
It added: “NLNG has an impressive track record of delivering impactful CSR initiatives associated with Trains 1 to 6, with high-impact projects in Bonny Kingdom that continue to benefit the community significantly. Through these efforts, NLNG has consistently contributed to the sustainable development of Bonny Island, positioning it as a model for progress within the region.
NLNG remains committed to partnering with the Kingdom to achieve a sustainable and prosperous future, aligning with its vision of improving lives sustainably.”
It further reaffirmed that the Train 7 project is not only a critical driver of gas development in Nigeria but also a source of significant community development and Nigerian Content benefits in the Niger-Delta region, stating it “stands steadfast in its dedication to delivering on its promises and fostering enduring progress in Bonny Kingdom.”
Tension began to build up Sunday night when members of the Bonny Youth Federation (BYF) intensified mobilisation for the protest, which would have resulted in shutting down all entry and exit routes to the island, including markets and offices.
Concerned stakeholders, including the Bonny Local Government Council, the Rivers State Government, the police, NLNG and other multinationals, immediately moved in to forestall the plans.
The state government was said to have been contacted and the state police command allegedly moved in.
However, Finima Youth Congress (FYC), which ought to be a wing of the Bonny Youth Federation, backed out of the action with a statement disassociating Finima people from the planned action, describing it as an invasion of their area by Bonny people.
This attracted an instant reaction from the Bonny Youth Federation and the Bonny Kingdom Development Committee, who said the Finima youths were sponsored to sabotage the protest.
Apparently sensing an imminent confrontation on Monday, the authorities and the IOCs began contacts to stop the protests.
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