The Bonny local council area also known as Bonny kingdom in Rivers State almost suffered total shutdown on Monday, January 13, 2025, that was to last over 10 days but quick response by the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited is believed to have saved the situation.
The gas giant quickly recommitted to community projects from the Train-7 and convinced the highest powers in the land to suspend the strike for meetings to begin immediately.
Train-7 CRS projects were at the heart of the anger of the natives who however, remembered their alleged neglect by other multinational corporations on the island.
The Chairman of the Bonny Kingdom Development Committee (BKDC), Amairigha Edward Hart, had said it was disheartening to state that with the presence of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited (MPNU), TotalEnergies Nigeria Limited, and BelemaOil, Bonny people were worse off.
The BKDC boss said that their agreement with the NLNG and SCD-JV to execute some seven projects including expansion of the road from Shell Gate to Coal Beach with a spur from Amaomu Junction to the King Perekule Palace; Construction of a 5,000 capacity mini-stadium and Sports Academy; Construction of Vehicular Terminal, Construction of a 2.5km road from Workers’ Camp to Simidia Junction. He said these have been forgotten. The hosts equally mentioned the ‘sins’ of both the federal and Rivers State government in neglecting Bonny.
Reacting, the NLNG through Sophia Horsfall, general manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, said that their attention was drawn to the planned protests over Train-7 CRS projects and wished to unequivocally reassure all stakeholders that it (NLNG) remains fully committed to delivering social investments and Nigerian Content benefits to its host community, Bonny Kingdom, and Rivers State.
“As part of its CSR initiatives, two major projects—the Shell Gate-Coal Beach with a Spur to the Perekule Palace Road and the Bonny Vehicular Terminal (BVT)—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.
“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.”
The statement said the NLNG remains committed to partnering with the Kingdom to achieve a sustainable and prosperous future, aligning with its vision of improving lives sustainably.
“Furthermore, NLNG reaffirms 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.
“NLNG stands steadfast in its dedication to delivering on its promises and fostering enduring progress in Bonny Kingdom.”
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