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Finima Youth Congress Leads Successful Market Sanitation Exercise at Agaja Market

Community Spirit Shines in Agaja Market Sanitation Drive

By Omie D. Brown, Special Correspondent

Finima, Bonny Local Government Area – A wave of community-driven action swept through Agaja Market on Thursday, 14 August 2025, as local traders and a dedicated environmental team joined forces for a comprehensive sanitation exercise. The initiative, spearheaded by the Finima Youth Congress (FYC) Environmental Committee, underscored a strong and ongoing commitment to public health, hygiene, and environmental sustainability within the Finima community and the wider Bonny Local Government Area.

The periodic clean-up, conducted between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m., was described as a resounding success, demonstrating the power of a united community. Led by the Public Relations Officer (P.R.O) of the FYC Environmental Committee, Omie D. Brown, and executed under the direct instruction of the FYC Director of Environment, the operation forms part of the FYC’s long-standing resolution to maintain a clean and healthy environment for both residents and visitors.

Market Women Lead by Example

The response from the market women was overwhelmingly positive. Guided by their own leadership, traders participated with enthusiasm, discipline, and a shared sense of responsibility. Witnesses reported a high level of compliance, with market women diligently clearing refuse, sweeping stalls, and ensuring that trading areas were spotless.

For two hours, the normally bustling market transformed into a hive of coordinated cleaning activities. Stalls were rearranged, waste was collected in an orderly fashion, and the drainage channels were cleared of debris. The scene reflected a community determined to set a high standard for cleanliness.

A senior market representative, who preferred to remain anonymous, summed up the general sentiment:

“We are so happy with how clean the market looks now. The FYC team has done a wonderful job in organising this, and it shows what we can achieve when we all work together.”

Shared Pride in a Job Well Done

Following the completion of the exercise, the atmosphere in the market was one of palpable satisfaction. Traders resumed their daily business against the backdrop of a cleaner, more welcoming environment. Many expressed their gratitude to the FYC Environmental Committee and the FYC Central Executive Council for initiating, enforcing, and overseeing the sanitation exercise.

The traders’ praise was accompanied by a pledge—one that holds significant meaning for the community’s environmental future. They promised to continue observing the sanitation routine regularly, even without external supervision. This commitment marks a shift from reactive clean-ups to a proactive, ingrained culture of cleanliness.

Such self-sustainability is a hallmark of successful community-led initiatives, and in this case, it signifies a long-term win for both the FYC and the people of Finima.

Calls for Urgent Infrastructure Support

Despite the upbeat mood, the market women also seized the moment to raise pressing infrastructural concerns. They issued a heartfelt appeal to the Sole Administrator of Bonny Local Government Area (LGA) and other stakeholders, urging immediate intervention in rehabilitating the market’s borehole.

A reliable supply of potable water, they stressed, is vital for maintaining hygiene in both food preparation and general market operations. The lack of a functioning borehole hampers these efforts and undermines the sanitation gains made during such exercises.

One stall owner put it plainly:

“A clean environment is not just about sweeping and tidying up; it’s also about having the basic amenities to support that cleanliness. We need clean water for our produce and for ourselves, and proper toilets are essential for public health. We hope the LGA and other stakeholders hear our plea and come to our aid.”

Alongside the call for water infrastructure, traders also highlighted the urgent need for functional, well-maintained toilet facilities. Without these, they warned, it will be difficult to sustain hygiene standards and prevent the spread of disease.

FYC’s Ongoing Mission for a Cleaner Finima

The FYC Environmental Committee has consistently demonstrated leadership in promoting cleanliness and environmental awareness in the Finima community. Regular market sanitation exercises, community-wide clean-up campaigns, and educational outreach form part of their broader strategy to foster a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Speaking after the exercise, Omie D. Brown reaffirmed the organisation’s vision:

“Today’s success shows what’s possible when a community comes together. Our goal has always been to instil a culture of environmental responsibility that will last for generations. The market women’s commitment to continuing this work, even without our direct supervision, is proof that change is taking root.”

A Model for Other Communities

The Agaja Market clean-up stands as a model for other markets and communities across the Niger Delta and beyond. It demonstrates that when local leadership, community members, and youth organisations work hand-in-hand, tangible improvements in public health and environmental quality can be achieved.

However, sustaining these results will require continued investment and collaboration. Stakeholders, both public and private, have an opportunity to reinforce the community’s efforts by addressing infrastructure needs such as the borehole and sanitation facilities.

Providing these amenities would not only safeguard public health but also serve as a powerful endorsement of the traders’ self-help initiatives. It would show that community-driven projects are not only acknowledged but supported at higher levels of governance.

Looking Ahead

The story of Agaja Market on 14 August 2025 is one of collaboration, resilience, and shared vision. It is about a community taking ownership of its environment, celebrating its achievements, and advocating for the resources it needs to sustain them.

As the freshly cleaned stalls reopened for business, the air carried more than the scent of fresh produce; it carried a renewed sense of pride and unity. The clean-up was more than an exercise—it was a declaration that environmental stewardship in Finima is not just a policy but a way of life.

Now, the challenge and opportunity lie with local authorities and stakeholders to respond to the market women’s plea, ensuring that this vision of a healthier, cleaner future becomes a permanent reality.

🖊️ Omie D. Brown
P.R.O – FYC Environmental Committee
For and on behalf of the FYC Director of Environment

Finima Community’s Century-Long Quest for Environmental Justice and Host-Community Rights

Introduction

Finima, the oldest settlement on Bonny Island in Rivers State, has for decades stood at the forefront of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry—first SPDC signed its initial tenancy agreement with Finima chiefs in July 1958, establishing Bonny Island as Nigeria’s principal crude‑oil export terminal shortly thereafter (researchgate.net), and later as host to the NLNG plant. Yet despite the enormous wealth generated offshore, Finima indigenes have repeatedly protested, occupied terminals, and halted construction to demand environmental redress and fair inclusion in revenue and development projects. This feature traces key episodes—from the landmark 1996 FEPA intervention, through the 2001 youth occupation of Mobil’s Bonny River Terminal, to the 2024–25 shutdown of NLNG’s Train‑7 works—and assesses the evolving legal and social dynamics that have shaped Finima’s struggle.

1. Early Mobil Operations and the 1996 FEPA Intervention

Mobil Oil began Nigerian operations in 1955 but did not establish a Bonny terminal; Shell’s Bonny Terminal itself was formally commissioned in April 1961 (tribuneonlineng.com, energynetwork.business.blog). In the early 1990s Mobil began expanding its natural gas operations in Bonny, constructing a processing terminal on land claimed by Finima indigenes. Community leaders complained that Mobil had neither obtained proper environmental permits nor conducted an approved impact assessment.

On 6 April 1996, the Inter Press Service’s Environment Bulletin reported that Finima residents had formally petitioned Nigeria’s Federal Environmental Protection Agency (FEPA), alleging land devastation by Mobil’s uncontrolled works. A February inspection by FEPA director Dr Evans Aina “found various shortcomings” and ordered Mobil to suspend construction until proper EIA approval was secured (ipsnews.net). This marked one of the Niger Delta’s first successful community‑led interventions against an IOC, setting a precedent for environmental accountability.

2. The 2001 Bonny River Terminal Occupation

Despite FEPA’s 1996 action, tensions over compensation and inclusion persisted. In June 2001, Finima youth occupied Mobil’s Bonny River Terminal (BRT) for three days, protesting that relocation compensation paid years earlier had been channelled to a rival community faction and that local employment quotas were unmet.

Human Rights Watch later documented that the occupation “reduced production by over 650,000 barrels per day” and forced Mobil to declare force majeure on its export contracts (hrw.org). Although some terminal staff suffered injuries and property damage occurred, the protest ended peacefully after intervention by Chief Idamiebi‑Brown. Subsequent negotiations compelled Mobil to reopen talks on direct community payments and to revise its local hiring commitments.

3. NLNG’s Arrival and Ongoing Grievances

With the inauguration of Nigeria LNG’s first trains in 1999, Finima hosted one of Africa’s largest gas‑liquefaction complexes—and simultaneously saw a new wave of discontent. Though NLNG established the Finima Nature Park in 1999 as part of its CSR portfolio, many residents felt their rights as the true host community were overlooked in favour of neighbouring—politically influential—kingdoms.

By mid‑2024, tensions reached a flashpoint when Finima youths barricaded the gates of the Saipem‑Chiyoda‑Daewoo (SCD) joint‑venture building NLNG’s Train 7 expansion. On 30 June 2024, Naturenews.africa reported that protesters demanded strict adherence to the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (2010) and the 2017 Community Content Guidelines—specifically, full transparency of vendor lists and direct contract awards to Finima indigenes (Naturenews.africa). Their action halted construction, underscoring that, a quarter‑century on, legal frameworks alone could not guarantee community buy‑in without robust, locally‑driven implementation.

4. The 2025 Train 7 Protest and Recent Developments

In May 2025, Finima again shut down NLNG’s Train 7 site—this time focusing on both inclusion and environmental concerns. Local media (THISDAYLive) reported the protest began at 05:00 hrs on 6 May 2025, when members of the Finima Youth Congress—armed with placards and drums—blocked heavy‑equipment access, citing unfulfilled memos of understanding on shoreline remediation and mangrove‑restoration funding (thisdaylive.com).

NLNG management, under pressure from both the Rivers State Government and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), convened a joint‑stakeholders forum within 48 hours. Commitments made included:

A ₦500 million community trust fund, overseen by a five‑member council including Finima elders.
An independent audit of the Train 7 environmental management plan, with deadlines for shoreline cleanup and replanting of 10,000 mangrove seedlings.
Reserved quotas for 30 per cent of all sub‑contracts to Finima‑registered small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

By late June 2025, preliminary site access had resumed, albeit under tight security and with daily “Community Liaison Days” to review progress against agreed‑upon milestones.

1. State and Regulator Intervention

Multi‑party pressure: Within 48 hours of the 6 May 2025 blockade, Rivers State Government officials (including the Commissioner for Petroleum Resources) and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) publicly urged both NLNG and the Saipem‑Chiyoda‑Daewoo (SCD) JV to negotiate with Finima youth leaders rather than allow further shutdowns (thisdaylive.com).
Town‑hall convening: A joint “community‑company‑government” forum was convened at the Rivers State Government House in Port Harcourt. Participants included NLNG’s GM of External Relations & Sustainable Development, Dr Sophia Horsfall; NUPRC executives; FINIMA chiefs and youth representatives; and SCD‑JV project managers.

2. Key Agreement Points

Although the formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has not been publicly released, community spokespeople and Rivers Government communiqués confirm the following headline commitments:

₦500 million Host Community Trust Fund
– Seed capital to be deposited in a dedicated escrow account.
– Governed by a five‑member council comprising two Finima elders, two NLNG‑appointed trustees, and a Rivers State nominee.
Independent Audit of Environmental‑Management Plan
– A third‑party firm (to be jointly selected) will audit Train 7’s approved Environmental Management Plan (EMP), with explicit deliverables and deadlines for shoreline cleanup, sediment removal and replanting of 10,000 mangrove seedlings.
30 percent SME Quota
– At least 30 percent of all Train 7 sub‑contracts (materials, services, logistics) to be bid exclusively by Finima‑registered small and medium enterprises, in line with the Community Content Guidelines (CCG 2017).
Resumption under Oversight
– Site access was reinstated by 25 June 2025 under tight security. NLNG and SCD‑JV now hold daily “Community Liaison Days” on‑site to review progress and address emerging issues.

3. Verification & Veracity

Press coverage from THISDAYLIVE and National Network confirms the forum and NUPRC’s role but does not detail the exact fund size or SME quotas (thisdaylive.com/nationalnetworkonline.com).
Community sources (Council of Elders press statements) are the primary basis for the ₦500 million figure and the structure of the oversight council—these details remain under embargo pending formal publication of the MoU.

5. Legal and Social Underpinnings of Finima’s Protests

Finima’s actions must be viewed in light of Nigeria’s evolving petroleum laws. The Oil and Gas Industry Content Development Act (2010) and the Petroleum Industry Act (2021) formally recognise “host communities” and stipulate benefit‑sharing mechanisms. Yet, implementation has lagged, often due to weak oversight and elite capture.

Moreover, the 1992 FEPA Act—once heralded for mandating environmental impact assessments—collapsed under regulatory underfunding, leading to a patchwork of enforcement by federal agencies and community groups. The community’s reliance on self‑organised direct action (barricades, terminal occupations) reflects a broader pattern in the Niger Delta, where formal institutions have failed to deliver on paper promises.

6. Looking Ahead: From Protests to Partnership?

Finima’s repeated shutdowns have demonstrated leverage; each intervention has extracted new concessions. Yet true partnership remains elusive. Key challenges ahead include:

Transparent Fund Management: Ensuring the ₦500 million trust fund is audited and benefits are equitably disbursed.
Environmental Remediation: Independent monitoring of mangrove restoration and cleanup progress, with community technical input.
Capacity Building: Training Finima SMEs to bid competitively for IOC and NLNG contracts, rather than merely reserving quotas.

Should the current framework hold, Finima could become a template for host‑community engagement—shifting from protest‑driven gains to long‑term, co‑designed development.

Conclusion

From FEPA’s 1996 enforcement action against Mobil to the 2001 occupation of the Bonny River Terminal and the 2024–25 NLNG Train 7 shutdowns, Finima has demonstrated the power of organised, historically informed protest. Their methods—grounded in legal rights and environmental stewardship—have repeatedly compelled the world’s largest gas‑liquefaction consortium to the negotiating table. As Nigeria’s petroleum industry enters its next chapter under the Petroleum Industry Act, Finima’s story offers both a cautionary tale and a roadmap: without genuine, accountable community partnership, even the most advanced legislative frameworks will ring hollow.

Unlocking Opportunities: A Finima Youth’s Guide to the NLNG Train 7 Project and Beyond

For years, it has been the talk of the town, a buzz of anticipation felt across Bonny Island. The Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Train 7 project is more than just another industrial expansion; it is a monumental undertaking, a promise of jobs, and a beacon of opportunity. For the youth of Finima, the primary host community, this project is happening right on your doorstep, representing the single greatest chance in a generation to build a rewarding career and secure a prosperous future.

But with great opportunity comes great confusion. How do you go from hearing about the project to actually working on it? What skills are they really looking for? How do you avoid the scams and false promises that always surround major projects? It can feel like trying to find a specific door in a massive, unmarked building.

This guide is your key. This is your detailed, practical, no-nonsense roadmap to unlocking the opportunities within the Train 7 project and, more importantly, building a career that will last long after the project is complete. It is time to replace uncertainty with a clear, actionable plan.

Part 1: Understanding Your Advantage – The Power of Local Content

Before you even think about skills or CVs, you must understand a fundamental principle that gives you a significant advantage: Local Content. This isn’t just a buzzword; it is a legal and operational framework designed to ensure that projects like Train 7 deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians, with a special focus on host communities like Finima.

The cornerstone of this framework is the Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry Content Development (NOGICD) Act. In simple terms, this law mandates that companies operating in the oil and gas sector must prioritise the use of Nigerian workers, contractors, and services. It was created to stop the old practice of major projects being built almost entirely by foreign experts, leaving local communities on the sidelines.

Flowing from this Act are Community Content Guidelines (CCG). These are specific agreements worked out between NLNG, its contractors, and the host communities. They detail how the broad principles of the NOGICD Act will be applied on the ground. The CCG sets out specific quotas and preferences for the employment of community indigenes, particularly for roles that do not require highly specialised, globally scarce expertise.

What does this mean for YOU?

It means you are not just another applicant in a vast sea of jobseekers. As an indigene of Finima, you are in a legally recognised priority group. When the main contractors for Train 7—a consortium known as the SCD JV (Saipem, Chiyoda, and Daewoo)—need to hire a welder, a scaffolder, an administrator, or a safety officer, they are obligated by law and by their agreements to look for qualified candidates from Finima first.

However, the key word is qualified. The law gives you the right of first refusal, but it does not guarantee a job if you do not have the required skills. Your advantage is the opportunity; your responsibility is to be prepared. This is where your journey truly begins.

Part 2: The In-Demand Skills – What You Need to Learn Now

Forget generic qualifications. Industrial construction projects on the scale of Train 7 require a specific portfolio of technical and vocational skills. If you want to be a valuable candidate, you need to focus on acquiring skills that are in high demand right now. These can be broken down into key categories.

A. Skilled Trades and Vocations: The Backbone of the Project

These are the hands-on roles that physically build the project. They are consistently in high demand and offer excellent career progression.

Welding (and Pipe Fitting): This is arguably the most sought-after trade. Projects like Train 7 involve connecting thousands of kilometres of pipes. Basic welding is good, but expertise in specialised techniques like TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding and Arc welding for industrial pipes will place you at the top of the list. Pipe fitters, who measure, cut, and prepare the pipes for welding, work hand-in-hand with welders and are equally crucial.
Scaffolding: No construction can happen at height without safe and secure scaffolding. Certified scaffolders (basic and advanced) who can erect, modify, and dismantle complex structures are essential for the safety and progress of the entire project.
Electrical Installation & Instrumentation: Every part of a modern gas plant runs on electricity and is controlled by complex instruments. Certified electricians who can safely run industrial cables, install panels, and connect equipment are vital. Instrumentation fitters who can install and calibrate control devices are also a highly specialised and sought-after group.
Crane and Heavy Equipment Operation: Operating mobile cranes, forklifts, and excavators requires specific training and certification. A certified crane operator is one of the most visible and responsible roles on a construction site.

**Image 1: A focused group of young Nigerian men and women in a vocational training centre.** The image shows a bright, modern workshop. In the foreground, a young woman wearing a protective helmet and welding mask is carefully practising TIG welding on a piece of pipe, sparks flying. Behind her, a qualified instructor in overalls is guiding a young man who is looking at a complex electrical panel. The atmosphere is one of serious learning, skill acquisition, and empowerment.

B. Essential Support Roles: Keeping the Project Moving

Not everyone can be a welder. A project of this magnitude needs a huge team of support staff to function efficiently and safely.

Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE): Safety is the number one priority on any world-class construction site. A basic HSE certification (Level 1, 2, and 3) is one of the most valuable entry-level qualifications you can obtain. It opens doors to roles like Safety Officer, Fire Watcher, and Permit-to-Work Coordinator.
Logistics and Supply Chain Support: Imagine the sheer volume of materials—pipes, cables, cement, equipment—that need to be received, stored, and delivered to the right location on site at the right time. Roles in materials control, warehouse operation, and logistics coordination are critical.
Administration and Document Control: Major projects generate mountains of paperwork, from technical drawings to work permits and reports. Meticulous and organised individuals are needed for administrative support and document control roles to keep the project information flowing correctly.

C. Professional and Technical Roles: The Brains of the Operation

For those with higher education or specialised experience, there are numerous opportunities.

Engineering: Graduates in Mechanical, Civil, Electrical, and Chemical Engineering are needed for roles in supervision, quality control, and project management.
Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC): These are the inspectors who ensure that all work, especially welding and installation, meets the required international standards. A certification in QA/QC can lead to a highly respected and well-paid career.
IT Support: A modern construction site is heavily reliant on technology, from network connectivity to specialised software. IT professionals are needed to keep these systems running smoothly.

Part 3: Your Four-Step Action Plan – How to Get Hired

Knowing what skills are needed is only half the battle. You now need a concrete plan to make yourself the ideal candidate.

Step 1: Get Certified – Your Proof of Competence

In the industrial world, your word is not enough. You must have official certificates to prove you are trained and competent.

Identify Recognised Centres: Invest in your future by enrolling in a reputable vocational training centre. Look for institutions recognised by industry bodies, such as the Nigerian Institute of Welding (NIW). Don’t be tempted by cheap, unaccredited “certificate mills.”
Focus on Your Chosen Trade: Decide which skill you want to acquire and pursue the relevant certifications. For HSE, look for qualifications from bodies like NEBOSH or IOSH, which are globally recognised.
Document Everything: Keep all your certificates, training records, and qualifications in a neat, professional portfolio.

Step 2: Build a Professional CV – Your Marketing Document

Your Curriculum Vitae (CV) is the first impression a recruiter will have of you. It must be professional, clear, and tailored to the job you want.

Keep it Clean and Simple: Use a clear font and a simple layout. Focus on readability. Limit it to one or two pages.
Start with Your Contact Details: Your name, phone number, and a professional email address should be at the very top.
List Your Certifications First: For industrial roles, your technical certifications are more important than your academic history. List them clearly near the top of your CV.
Use Action Words: Describe any experience you have using strong verbs. Instead of “Was part of a team,” write “Collaborated with a team to successfully complete…”
Proofread, Proofread, Proofread: A single spelling or grammar mistake can get your CV thrown in the bin. Read it over carefully, and ask someone else to check it for you.

**Image 2: A confident, professional young Nigerian woman holding her CV.** The image shows a young woman in her mid-20s, dressed in a smart blouse. She is standing against a plain, well-lit background. She is holding a crisp, printed CV and looking directly at the camera with a slight, confident smile. Her expression is one of hope, readiness, and professionalism, embodying the ideal job applicant

Step 3: Look in the Right Places – The Official Channels

To avoid scams, you must use the official recruitment channels.

The Main Contractors (EPCs): The primary employer for Train 7 construction is the SCD JV (Saipem, Chiyoda, Daewoo). Monitor their official career websites. Do not pay anyone who claims they can get you a job with them. All official recruitment is free.
Community Portals: Liaise with the official community bodies tasked with interfacing on employment. This could be the Finima Capacity Development Committee (FCDC) or the Finima Youth Congress (FYC). They are the official channels for receiving information and submitting CVs for community-specific roles. They will help you filter out fraudulent “agents.”

Step 4: Think Beyond Train 7 – Build a Lifelong Career

This is the most important step of all. Do not view Train 7 as a one-time job; view it as a world-class training ground. The skills you acquire here are not just “Train 7 skills”; they are globally recognised industrial skills.

Gain Experience: Once on the project, be a sponge. Learn everything you can. Show up on time, work hard, and maintain a positive attitude.
Network Professionally: Build good relationships with your supervisors and colleagues. These connections can lead to future opportunities.
The Bigger Picture: A certified industrial welder or a qualified HSE officer from the Train 7 project can go on to work on other major projects in the Niger Delta, in the Nigerian maritime industry, or even internationally. The end of the Train 7 construction phase should be the beginning of your long and successful career, not the end of a job.

Image 3: A wide, inspiring shot of a major industrial construction site at dawn. The image shows the silhouette of a massive industrial plant under construction, similar to the NLNG facility. Cranes reach into the early morning sky, and the intricate network of scaffolding and pipes is visible. The rising sun creates a dramatic orange and purple glow on the horizon, symbolising a new day and new opportunities. The scale of the project conveys a sense of ambition and the vast potential for employment. — **Image 3: A wide, inspiring shot of a major industrial construction site at dawn.** The image shows the silhouette of a massive industrial plant under construction, similar to the NLNG facility. Cranes reach into the early morning sky, and the intricate network of scaffolding and pipes is visible. The rising sun creates a dramatic orange and purple glow on the horizon, symbolising a new day and new opportunities. The scale of the project conveys a sense of ambition and the vast potential for employment.

Conclusion: Your Future is in Your Hands

The NLNG Train 7 project is a generational opportunity, but it is not a lottery ticket. Success will not be handed to you; it must be earned through preparation, dedication, and strategic action. The doors are open for the youth of Finima in a way they are not for others, but it is up to you to acquire the skills and professionalism needed to walk through them.

Use this guide as your starting point. Invest in yourself by getting certified. Craft a CV that makes you proud. Use the official community channels to find your path. See this not just as a chance to get a job, but as a chance to build a career that will empower you, your family, and your community for decades to come.

The hum of construction on your doorstep is the sound of opportunity knocking. It is time to answer the door.