NNPCL Creating Values, Improving Lives

The consciousness that reforms come with responsibilities has made the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd double down on its plethora of impactful interventions nationwide, evolving, in the process, into a quintessential Corporate Social Responsibility role model. TAYO WILLIAMS expantiates

No corporation or government agency has suffered more misconceptions and criticisms in recent months than the Nigeria National Petroleum Company Ltd, NNPCL.

The lightning rod of the federal government’s fuel subsidy removal, the NNPCL, however, upholds the dictum that reforms come with responsibilities by balancing profitability with the growth and prosperity of its host communities.

Acutely aware of the hardship foisted on Nigerians by the subsidy removal, the NNPCL is doubling down on efforts to rejuvenate Nigeria’s comatose refineries for production efficiency and increased revenue to the nation’s coffers while battling hydra-headed market forces stifling the availability of fuel across the country.

That is on the one hand.

On the other hand, the NNPCL, which trumps a payoff line, ‘Creating Values, Improving Lives,’ is initiating and implementing a broad and robust range of CSR projects and initiatives to improve the lives of Nigerians.

To cushion the effects of the high cost of transportation on Nigerians, the NNPC Foundation, under the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN) Initiative on CNG recently donated 10 CNG buses to provide cheaper transportation for Nigerians, promote cleaner alternative source of energy, and boost the nation’s economy.

The NNPC Foundation did not stop there. It further underscored the sensitivity of the Mele Kyari-led Corporation to the plight of Nigerians by donating truckloads of essential relief materials like food, toiletries, beddings, and other household items to the recent flood victims in Borno State.

For the people of Ohaji/Egbema community of Imo State especially those with visual impairments, they have a saviour in the NNPC Ltd/Seplat Energy Joint Venture (JV) partnership, which recently conducted a medical outreach through its ‘Eye Can See’ programme. The JV dispensed over 10,000 reading glasses and successfully performed 639 eye surgeries, including cataract removals, for host community members who otherwise had limited access to such vital medical services.

Aside also providing free eye screenings, the ‘Eye Can See’ programme, which commenced in 2017, according to Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, NNPC Ltd, has transformed lives and restored hope to many who had been suffering from visual impairments in the eastern asset of the NNPC upstream investments with its positive impact on over 20,000 people to date.

Declaring that NNPC Ltd takes pride in being more than just an energy provider, Bala Wunti, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC’s Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), emphasized the initiative’s significance to NNPC Ltd’s corporate mission of enriching the lives of Nigerians and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s development.

According to Wunti, “The ‘Eye Can See’ initiative reflects our belief that corporate structures can and should play a vital role in societal development. We are committed to expanding the reach of our CSR programmes by ensuring that more people across Nigeria can benefit from the life-changing services.”

He added that the project is not just about restoring vision; it is about giving people hope and the opportunity to lead fulfilling lives and a further testament to the ongoing commitment of NNPC and Seplat to improve the quality of life in their host communities.

Similarly, the NNPC Ltd, last August, flagged off the third edition of the Vision First Programme as part of a comprehensive community-focused healthcare outreach targeted at the Ilaje community and environs in Bariga, Lagos State. The Vision First programme furthers the NNPC Ltd/SNEPCo Production Sharing Contract (PSC) commitment to advancing health and well-being within its host communities. Through this initiative, over 1,000 individuals received free eye care services and a range of general healthcare provisions including cardiovascular screening, BMI assessments, laboratory services, consultations, treatment of mild and chronic diseases, and distribution of insecticide-treated nets.

The Lagos edition, which began in 2022, has screened over 2,000 people, provided 1,199 prescription glasses, administered medication to 1,310 beneficiaries, and facilitated successful procedures for 189 individuals.

To help its host communities prosper and drive social development through various initiatives and social offerings, the NNPC Foundation, in partnership with a financial education outfit, trained over 200, 000 members of the National Youth Service Corps in basic financial literacy skills in alignment with the Corps’ Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development objectives. This, according to the corporation, is the first step that will culminate in instilling entrepreneurship in NYSC members.

Also, as part of its Sustainable Corporate Social Responsibility (SCSR), the NNPCL recently commissioned a fully-funded International Conference Centre at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) in Awka, Anambra State. The project boasts of a two-storey building and an array of adjoining facilities such as a 260-seater capacity hall, reception, offices, kitchen, restaurant, laundry room, storeroom, changing rooms, entrance lobby, elevator shaft, project room, and public conveniences with associated mechanical and electrical services.

Last July, NNPC Ltd and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), through its Joint Venture partnership, built and donated a state-of-the-art ICT Centre to the Bauchi State University, Gadau (BASUG). The facility houses a Wi-Fi lounge, computer laboratories, conference rooms, lecture halls, office spaces, and a combined 3D printing and hardware lab. The centre is also equipped with smart interactive boards and high-performance computers for students, creating a conducive environment for learning and innovation.

Wunti said that the successful completion of the ICT centre exemplifies NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to contributing to sustainable development, improving access to quality education, and fostering innovation in Nigeria.

He observed that for several decades, the JV has consistently invested in impactful CSR initiatives across the length and breadth of the country, adding, “Today’s historic commissioning of this ultra-modern ICT Centre at the BASUG is a testament to the positive and sustainable impact of the oil and gas industry on Nigerians.”

By harmonizing its business objectives with societal needs, the NNPCL’s noiseless but far-reaching impacts transcend mere business operations as it is committed to fostering positive change and sustainable development that elevates the lives of individuals and families throughout Nigeria without pandering to trumpeting or embellishing its CSR activities as is done by other corporate entities.