Rivers State Government has reached an agreement with Nigeria Liquidfied Natural Gas (NLNG) and its contractors, Daewoo and Saipem, to reserve a substantial percentage of employment opportunities, especially for youths in communities across the State.
The pact, which was facilitated by the Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Engr Charles Amadi, and his Employment Generation and Empowerment counterpart, Sir Austin Emeka Nnadozie, in Port Harcourt, aims to provide the much-needed jobs for residents and contribute to the advancement of the state’s economy.
The State Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Engr Charles Amadi, highlighted the importance of accommodating other communities to maintain the existing peace in NLNG’s operational areas and the state at large.
Engr Amadi thanked the organization for their understanding, and expressed hope that more employment opportunities will be given to other Rivers communities in their next project.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Employment Generation and Empowerment, Sir Austin Emeka Nnadozie, stated that the ministry has been working tirelessly to create job opportunities and to advance development in Rivers State.
The collaboration with NLNG, Sir Nnadozie noted, “is a testament to the ministry’s efforts to engage with key stakeholders and drive growth”.
On his part, Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Samuel Egumah, stated that companies operating in the State traditionally allocate 60% of employment chances to the host community, 30% to the state government, while 10% is reserved for the company.
Explaining further, the Permanent Secretary said the reason is to foster inclusiveness, ensuring that all communities impacted by a company’s operations benefit from the employment opportunities.
Responding, NLNG’s Corporate Liaison Manager, Train 7, Dr. Joshua Anemeje, assured that going forward, the company will consider the state government’s interests in future projects, adding that the remaining employment opportunities will focus on highly skilled professionals since the Train 7 project is already 70% complete.
Details of the agreement, including the specific percentage of employment opportunities reserved for other communities in the State were not disclosed.
However, the partnership is seen as a crucial step towards addressing unemployment issues in the region.
This initiative also demonstrates the state government’s commitment to empowering citizens and driving growth through strategic partnerships, paving the way for similar initiatives in the future.
Martha Igbiks
Head of Press
Ministry of Employment Generation and Empowerment
18th October, 2024.
