CSR Projects: We’re Making Relief Payments, Not Paying Compensations – NLNG

As encomiums continue to pour on the Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas Limited (NLNG) for starting the process of delivering one of the corporate social responsibility projects for its Train 7 project, the company has clarified it is not paying compensations but relief payments to property owners on the project’s right of way.

The clarification was given on Saturday, January 25, 2025 by NLNG’s General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Sophia Horsfall, via statement it made available to the Press.

The said project is the road expansion from the gate of the Bonny Oil and Gas Terminal (BOGT) belonging to Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) to Coal Beach and a spur off the major road into Court Road from Amaomu Junction to the King Perekule Palace, Bonny.

The statement tagged “RE: BKDC Commends Property Owners’ Cooperation as Payments Begin” is partially reproduced below:

“The attention of NLNG has been drawn to recent media reports suggesting that the Company has commenced “compensation” payments to property owners affected by the right-of-way of the road expansion project on Bonny Island.

NLNG wishes to clarify that the payments referred to in these reports are not compensation payments but rather relief payments. These payments were voluntarily made by the Company to provide support to families impacted by the ongoing road expansion project.

As a responsible corporate citizen and a company committed to the well-being of its host communities, NLNG remains dedicated to fostering peace, growth, and sustainable development on Bonny Island.

The Company deeply appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the affected families throughout this process.”

Some of the property owners, who have, so far, received the payments have commended the NLNG for staying through to its commitment to deliver the project, especially, making the relief payments to them a reality.