Terms & Conditions

1. Programme Overview

The NLNG Vocational, Innovation, Business & Empowerment Scheme ("VIBES" or the "Programme") is an entrepreneurship development initiative operated by Nigeria LNG Limited ("NLNG," "we," "us," or "our"). These Terms and Conditions govern your participation in the NLNG VIBES programme.

By applying for or participating in the Programme, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree with any part of these terms, you should not apply for or participate in the Programme.

2. Eligibility and Application

2.1 Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the NLNG VIBES programme, applicants must:

• Be between 25 and 45 years of age at the time of application
• Be an indigene of an NLNG host or pipeline community
• Own and operate a micro or small business (registered or unregistered)
• Be self-employed with the business as the primary source of income
• Have a minimum educational qualification of SSCE/WASSCE
• Not be in paid full-time or part-time employment

2.2 Application Process

The application process requires:

• Complete and accurate submission of the online application form
• Submission of all required supporting documents
• Agreement to all mandatory declarations
• Compliance with application deadlines

2.3 Verification and Screening

NLNG reserves the right to:

• Verify all information and documentation provided
• Conduct site visits and referee checks
• Disqualify applicants who provide false or misleading information
• Select participants based on programme criteria and capacity

3. Programme Requirements

3.1 Training Commitment

Selected participants must:

• Attend at least 85% of the 4-week business training in Port Harcourt
• Participate actively in all training sessions and activities
• Complete all assignments and assessments
• Maintain professional conduct throughout the Programme

3.2 Mentorship Engagement

Participants are required to:

• Engage constructively with assigned mentors
• Implement mentorship guidance in their business operations
• Participate in scheduled mentorship sessions
• Provide progress updates as required

3.3 Pitch-a-Thon Participation

To qualify for the Pitch-a-Thon, participants must:

• Meet the 85% training attendance requirement
• Develop and present a viable business growth strategy
• Adhere to Pitch-a-Thon guidelines and time limits
• Accept and implement constructive feedback

5. Participant Obligations

5.1 Accuracy of Information

Participants warrant that:

• All information provided is true, accurate, and complete
• All documentation submitted is genuine and valid
• They will promptly notify NLNG of any changes to information provided

5.2 Compliance with Laws

Participants must:

• Comply with all applicable laws and regulations
• Operate their businesses in an ethical and legal manner
• Obtain all necessary licenses and permits for their businesses

5.3 Intellectual Property

Participants retain ownership of their business intellectual property. However, NLNG may use non-confidential information about participant businesses for programme reporting, evaluation, and promotional purposes.

6. NLNG Rights and Responsibilities

6.1 Programme Administration

NLNG reserves the right to:

• Modify programme content, schedule, or format as necessary
• Select participants based on established criteria
• Terminate participation for violation of terms or misconduct
• Withhold grants for non-compliance or poor performance

6.2 Programme Changes or Cancellation

NLNG may modify, suspend, or cancel the Programme at any time for operational, regulatory, or force majeure reasons. NLNG will not be liable for any loss or damage resulting from such changes.

7. Limitation of Liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, NLNG shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising from or related to participation in the VIBES programme, including but not limited to business losses, opportunity costs, or personal injury.

NLNG's total liability under these Terms and Conditions shall not exceed the value of any grant received by the participant.

8. Termination

NLNG may terminate a participant's involvement in the Programme if the participant:

• Violates these Terms and Conditions
• Provides false or misleading information
• Fails to meet programme requirements
• Engages in misconduct or unethical behavior
• Fails to comply with grant terms

Upon termination, the participant must immediately cease identifying as a VIBES participant and may be required to repay any grants received.

9. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution

These Terms and Conditions shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Any disputes arising from or relating to these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Nigeria.

Participants agree to attempt to resolve any disputes through mediation before pursuing legal action.