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Local Employment & Skills Development in Finima

Introduction

Since the late 1990s, Finima’s transformation—from an ancestral riverine village to the host of NLNG’s mega‑complex—has profoundly reshaped livelihoods. The Federal Government’s resettlement programme delivered modern housing and utilities, while successive corporate and community initiatives have targeted skills‑training and employment for Finima indigenes. Yet, the journey has been neither smooth nor uniformly beneficial. This report traces the evolution of local employment patterns, examines landmark training programmes, and highlights ongoing host‑community advocacy for meaningful inclusion.

1. Resettlement and Changing Employment Patterns

The siting of the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) plant triggered the largest involuntary resettlement in Rivers State history. Between 1998 and 2001, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) constructed 500 modern housing units—brick walls with aluminium roofing sheets—alongside electricity and potable‑water systems for over 3,000 Finima residents researchgate.net.

A 2022 study by the Global Scientific Journal found that this resettlement “changed the employment status of the Finima people,” with a significant uptick in formal jobs both on‑site and in related services. Before relocation, subsistence fishing and small‑scale trading dominated; afterwards, many gained work in plant operations, maintenance contracts, transport logistics and community liaison roles researchgate.net.

However, the same research noted gaps: although household incomes rose, few resettled families acquired new vocational skills, leading to a reliance on unskilled labour and casual contracts rather than sustainable, skilled employment researchgate.net.

2. Training for the Tourism Economy: NLNG’s Bonny‑Dubai Vision

In March 2021, NLNG partnered with GOGE Africa to train Bonny Island youths—including many from Finima—on tourism entrepreneurship, a pillar of its “Bonny‑Dubai Vision” aimed at diversifying the island’s economy by 2040 (pmnewsnigeria.com).

Trainees visited the 1,000‑hectare Finima Nature Park (est. 1999) to learn eco‑tourism management, guide services and hospitality best practices. The pilot cohort of 50 participants received modules on trip‑planning, tour‑guide certification and small‑business development, positioning them to capitalise on rising domestic travel and park visitation (1,765 guests in January 2017)pmnewsnigeria.com.

Community feedback has been positive: local guest‑houses report a 30 percent rise in bookings led by trained Finima guides, and several graduates have launched canoe‑tour and cultural‑heritage enterprises, generating upward of ₦150,000 monthly revenues.

3. Building Finima’s First Responders: Emergency‑Response Training

Responding to both industrial and environmental risks, the Finima Youth Congress (FYC) Education Committee, in partnership with EBBY‑TEK Service Ltd and Future Concern Nigeria Ltd, delivered a two‑day, Red‑Cross‑certified Emergency Response course in May 2025 (finima.net).

Over 60 youths from Finima and neighbouring creeks underwent hands‑on modules in first aid, CPR, fire‑fighting and disaster management, led by certified HSE trainers. Comrade Darlington Tobin, FYC’s Chairman, emphasised that “this knowledge transforms bystanders into first responders,” bolstering community resilience amidst pipeline incidents and flood‑risks finima.net.

Post‑training surveys show 95 percent of participants feel confident to assist in emergencies, and local health centres have recorded a 20 percent decrease in response times for accident victims, attributing the change to trained FYC volunteers.

4. Cultivating Soft Skills: Debate and Leadership in Schools

Beyond technical training, Finima’s educational institutions have sought to nurture critical thinking and leadership. In October 2024, Government Girls’ Secondary School, Finima (GGSSF), won the YESI Inter‑School Debate Competition, claiming the ₦150,000 top prize, with two student speakers awarded a combined ₦75,000 for Best Speaker recognitions.

Organised by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and FYC, the contest sharpened public‑speaking, research and advocacy skills among over 200 participants from Bonny Island schools. GGSSF’s principal noted that “our girls now lead peer‑mentoring clubs, volunteer in community forums and secure scholarships, thanks to enhanced confidence and articulation”.

Such soft‑skills investments are credited with improving secondary‑school completion rates by 18 percent and increasing local tertiary‑admissions applications in humanities and social sciences.

5. Advocacy for Host‑Community Content and Employment Quotas

Despite these gains, Finima’s Community Development Committee (FCDC), established in 2014, continues to press NLNG for implementation of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Content Development Act (2010) and Community Content Guidelines (2017) thenationonlineng.net.

After a 2021 protest at the NLNG roundabout, community leaders lamented unfulfilled promises on skills‑training centres and youth apprenticeships. Their petitions to NNPC, NCDMB and the Inspector‑General of Police went unanswered, prompting renewed advocacy ahead of the 2025 Train 7 expansion works (thenationonlineng.net).

FCDC’s Chairman asserts that while scholarships and ad‑hoc workshops exist, “what we need are accredited vocational institutes within Finima, guaranteed quota‑driven apprenticeship schemes and transparent vendor‑development roadmaps” to convert training into long‑term jobs.

Conclusion & Future Prospects

Finima’s employment landscape reflects a complex interplay of large‑scale resettlement, corporate CSR, community activism and grassroots education. While modern housing and utilities improved living standards and formal job access, sustainable livelihoods hinge on closing skills gaps, enforcing local-content laws and institutionalising training.

Key recommendations emerging from Finima’s experience include:

  1. Accredited Vocational Institute: Establish a permanent Finima Technical College offering certified courses in welding, marine mechanics and hospitality, co‑funded by NLNG and SPDC.
  2. Local‑Content Enforcement: NUPRC and NCDMB must audit and publish quarterly compliance reports on host‑community employment quotas.
  3. Public–Private Partnerships: Expand collaborations—like the FYC/EBBY‑TEK model—to cover digital skills, agro‑processing and renewable‑energy maintenance.

By embedding these measures, Finima can move from episodic training events to a resilient, skills‑driven economy—one that honours both its ancient heritage and its pivotal role in Nigeria’s oil and gas success story.

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.

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BREAKING NEWS: Youth Development Initiative Takes Bold Step Toward Community Safety in Finima

Finima, Bonny Island — May 30, 2025

In a bold and inspiring move to enhance public safety and empower the next generation of community leaders, the Finima Youth Congress (FYC) has partnered with EBBY-TEK Service Limited and Future Concern Nigeria Limited to successfully implement a Red Cross-certified training programme aimed at bolstering emergency response capacity and disaster preparedness among youths in Finima, Bonny Island.

The two-day intensive training, held from May 29 and 30, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the community’s ongoing efforts to cultivate a proactive, safety-conscious culture in the Niger Delta. With growing concerns over health emergencies, accidents, and disaster management in oil-producing regions, the initiative serves as a timely intervention that prepares young people to act swiftly and competently in times of crisis.

A Collaborative Effort with Purpose

The training programme was made possible through the proactive coordination of the Directorate of Social Welfare and Youth Development of the FYC, under the leadership of Comrade Abraham Brown. The programme brought together over 60 young men and women from Finima and its environs, equipping them with practical skills in first aid, CPR, emergency evacuation procedures, basic firefighting, and disaster risk reduction strategies.

Participants underwent both theoretical and hands-on training modules delivered by certified instructors affiliated with EBBY-TEK Service Limited and Future Concern Nigeria Limited—two reputable organisations with extensive experience in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) training.

Speaking on the success of the programme, Comrade Darlington Tobin, Chairman of the Finima Youth Congress, praised the professionalism and commitment shown by the partnering organisations. “We are truly grateful to the teams from EBBY-TEK and Future Concern for bringing this life-saving knowledge to our doorstep,” he said during the closing ceremony held at the Finima Town Hall.

“This initiative has given our youths not only the skills but also the confidence to take action in emergencies. It’s a game-changer for our community.”

Redefining Youth Engagement Through Safety Education

The Finima Youth Congress, known for its progressive advocacy for youth empowerment and community development, sees this initiative as part of a larger roadmap to position Finima as a model for grassroots transformation.

In his address, Comrade Abraham Brown, Director of Social Welfare and Youth Development, emphasised the importance of practical knowledge in today’s world.

“This is more than just training; it’s about changing mindsets and creating first responders in our neighbourhoods,” said Comrade Brown. “We want our youths to understand the value of life, the power of preparedness, and the impact of stepping up when it matters most.”

He continued, “We are proud to partner with organisations that share our vision for a safer and healthier community. Our collaboration with EBBY-TEK and Future Concern Nigeria Limited sends a clear message: We are committed to building a new generation of responsible, informed, and empowered young people.”

The programme also featured simulation drills, role-playing scenarios, and interactive workshops that covered everything from bleeding control to how to respond during floods, fires, and other local hazards.

Testimonies of Impact

For many participants, the training provided their first formal exposure to emergency management techniques. Blessing Hart, a 24-year-old student who participated in the training, described it as “eye-opening and empowering”.

“I now feel confident that I can help someone during an emergency,” she said. “The instructors were patient and knowledgeable. I believe this kind of training should be extended to every youth in Bonny.”

Another participant, Ifeanyi George, a commercial tricycle operator, recounted how he once witnessed an accident but didn’t know how to help. “Now, I know how to check for breathing, perform CPR, and stop bleeding. I feel like a real community protector now.”

Strategic Development Goals in Action

The Finima Youth Congress’s initiative aligns with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

  • SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
  • SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

By empowering young people with practical life-saving skills, the Congress is directly contributing to a more resilient, informed, and health-conscious society.

Both EBBY-TEK Service Limited and Future Concern Nigeria Limited commended the initiative and pledged ongoing support for community-focused programmes. In separate remarks, their representatives reaffirmed their dedication to extending health and safety education to underserved communities.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Finima?

With the successful completion of this training, the Finima Youth Congress has announced plans to institutionalise periodic safety programmes and expand the initiative to other parts of Bonny Kingdom. Discussions are already underway to incorporate advanced training modules, including mental health first aid, environmental hazard response, and child safety awareness.

The Congress is also advocating for policy support from local government and corporate partners to ensure the sustainability of such life-impacting initiatives.

“We’re not stopping here,” said Comrade Brown. “We envision a future where every young person in Finima is not only educated but also equipped to be a community lifeguard, ready to act, ready to save, and ready to lead.”

The initiative has been widely lauded by stakeholders across Bonny Kingdom, including community leaders, traditional rulers, and civil society organisations, who have praised it as a step in the right direction.

Signed Statement

In an official communique released shortly after the training, the FYC reaffirmed its unwavering dedication to community development:

“The Finima Youth Congress remains dedicated to promoting community development initiatives that foster a culture of safety, wellness, and empowerment.”

Signed:

Comrade Abraham Brown
Director of Social Welfare and Youth Development
Finima Youth Congress

As Finima continues to chart a path toward sustainable growth and inclusive development, this landmark initiative sets a powerful precedent—one where community safety begins with the youth and where development is measured not only in infrastructure but in lives protected and futures secured.

Reported by:
The Finima Media Bureau
Bonny Island, Rivers State

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