Bonny Gentlemen’s League Calls for Strict Local Content Compliance, Urgent Train-7 CSR Implementation by NLNG and SCD-JV.

The Bonny Gentlemen’s League, a non-governmental organization advocating for the development of Bonny Local Government Area, has expressed strong concerns over the implementation of the Local Content Act in the ongoing Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) Train 7 Project.

In a communique it issued at the conclusion of its 45th Annual Convention/3rd Annual General Meeting held on Sunday, December 22, 2024, the League lauded the Federal Government and NLNG for the progress of the Train 7 Project.

The communique was signed by its Chancellor, Kalada Green; Registrar, Victor Jumbo; and Chairman of its Current and National Affairs Committee, Torudoghubo Jamaica.

The BGL voiced serious dissatisfaction with the reported cases of non-compliance and poor implementation of community content obligations by the project’s contractor, SCD JV (Saipem, Chiyoda and Daewoo Joint Venture).

“The League reiterated its demand for the Consortium, SCD-JV to adhere strictly to the provisions of the Local Content Act, the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) Community Guideline, and the Project Memorandum of Understanding (PMOU) executed with the Bonny Kingdom Local Content Compliance Committee (BKLCCC); and ensure the actualization of community content deliverables in jobs and business opportunities amongst others, to Bonny Community vendors in order to avoid restiveness and industrial crisis and enhance seamless project execution and delivery,” the statement read.

The League also urged NLNG and the Train 7 Project Consortium to promptly execute the Community Social Responsibility (CSR) projects tied to the project.

Among the priority projects highlighted were the expansion of Bonny’s major road network, the construction of a sports academy with a 5,000-capacity stadium, a link road connecting the Workers Camp to Simidia Junction, and a vehicular terminal along the Bonny-Bodo Road axis.

Emphasizing the need for timely implementation, the League warned that delays in executing these projects could adversely affect vehicular movement within Bonny, especially ahead of the commissioning of the Bonny-Bodo Road.

While commending the reconstruction of the Bonny-Finima Road, the League criticized the failure to expand it beyond its original size and called for urgent action to accommodate the expected surge in vehicular traffic upon completion of the Bonny-Bodo Road.

Furthermore, the League praised Julius Berger Plc and the relevant authorities for their progress on the Bonny-Bodo Road project and urged them to adhere to the August 2025 completion timeline.

In addition to its infrastructure concerns, the League raised alarm over worsening power supply issues on the Island, calling on the Joint Industry Companies (JICs) and the Bonny Utility Company (BUC) to upgrade electricity generation and distribution to improve the reliability of power supply for residents.

With these resolutions, the Bonny Gentlemen’s League reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that the development of Bonny aligns with the aspirations and welfare of its people.