Beyond profits, Kyari-led NNPCL gives back, uplift Nigerians

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, as a public company is of critical interest to Nigerians. In recent times, following the removal of the petrol subsidy, the national oil corporation leadership has come under intense criticism, following issues that arose as a fallout of the government decision to save the nation from further hemorrhage by plugging the wastes and fraud of the subsidy regimes.

While many, out of ignorance, accuse the leadership of the NNPCL for doing little, the well-oiled smear-campaign set in motion by fraudulent petrol cartel, who had fleeced the nation of billions of dollars under the opaque subsidy scheme, were even more voracious. However, despite the orchestrated campaign of calumny against the NNPCL Chief, Kyari remained on top of his game, expanding exciting energy infrastructure, enabling other sustainable energy options, like the Compressed Natural Gas, CNG among others, above all, the company under his leadership is not just fixated on swelling the bottom line, and making the company a continuous thriving going concerns. NNPCL is also giving up to distraught Nigerians, and communities through various humanitarian endeavors, using the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR.

In a historic step towards cancer prevention, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC Ltd), through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, the NNPC Foundation, has embarked on an initiative that underscores its commitment to the health and well-being of Nigerians. The Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening Campaign was a free, nationwide initiative that aims to provide cancer screening, health education, and consultations, especially for the underserved. The campaign reflects NNPC Ltd’s commitment to social responsibility, addressing Nigeria’s rising cancer crisis and showing the company’s dedication to a healthier, more equitable future.

The intervention became extremely important as cancer remains one of the most serious health threats in Nigeria, with over 79,000 cancer-related deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The most common cancers affecting Nigerians include breast and cervical cancer among women, and prostate and liver cancer among men. Despite these alarming statistics, access to early detection resources remains a significant challenge, particularly for the economically marginalized Nigerians, particularly those living in the rural areas. The NNPC Foundation’s Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening Campaign takes a vital step in addressing this gap.

Driven by its commitment to promoting healthcare equity, NNPC Ltd has leveraged its resources and reach to address this health crisis directly. The campaign reflects the vision of a company that sees the health of its people as an integral part of national development. By focusing on early detection, the initiative not only aims to save lives but also to educate the public on the importance of preventive healthcare and early cancer detection.

The Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening Campaign, aims to make cancer screenings accessible to approximately 3,000 individuals across Nigeria. The initiative will establish screening centers in six states—Kaduna, Rivers, Ondo, Benue, Imo, and Gombe—strategically covering each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This expansive reach is emblematic of NNPC Ltd’s dedication to inclusivity and equity, making screenings accessible to people in both urban centers and rural areas.

Ms. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, emphasized that this initiative is about more than just medical check-ups; it’s about saving lives and creating a healthier Nigeria. “The fight against cancer requires a collective effort and a commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare. This campaign is about more than just screening; it’s about saving lives, building awareness, and creating pathways to preventive care for Nigerians who need it most,” she said. Her words resonate with NNPC Ltd’s broader mission to ensure every Nigerian, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to quality healthcare.

Over the years, NNPC Ltd has demonstrated a deep commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), addressing critical issues that extend beyond its primary focus in the energy sector. The NNPC Foundation, as the CSR arm, has championed various projects that tackle healthcare, education, community development, and more. The Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening Campaign reflects NNPC Ltd’s broader CSR philosophy, emphasizing the idea that corporate success should be aligned with societal benefit.

By addressing healthcare inequities in Nigeria, the NNPC Foundation is setting an example for other corporations. This commitment to healthcare shows the far-reaching potential of CSR, going beyond traditional charitable donations and engaging in sustainable, impactful projects that address urgent societal needs. NNPC Ltd’s initiative is not only a step towards a healthier Nigeria but also a testament to the company’s belief that the private sector has a vital role in national development.

NNPC Ltd’s Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening Campaign is a groundbreaking effort that embodies the company’s commitment to the well-being of Nigerians. The campaign serves as a beacon of hope for individuals who may otherwise lack access to essential health services, offering them a chance at early detection and, potentially, a longer life.

Through this initiative, NNPC Ltd is doing more than addressing Nigeria’s cancer crisis; it is laying the foundation for a healthier, more equitable future. This campaign is a powerful reminder that corporate responsibility, when driven by genuine commitment to social good, can create transformative change. As NNPC Ltd continues to champion health initiatives and lead by example, the future looks brighter for the people of Nigeria.

In the same vein, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC JV), operator of the NNPC Limited, SPDC, TotalEnergies and Nigerian Agip Oil Company Joint Venture, has announced the donation of $1 million to provide comfort for  over half a million people displaced in flood impacted communities of Borno.

Disclosing the monumental plan, the Managing Director, SPDC, and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, said the donation would go into the procurement and distribution of relief materials and medical supplies for displaced residents who are now in urgent need of critical aid,

He said, “We consider providing this support to be of necessity to demonstrate our commitment to our society and the duty of care to our people. It expresses our deep concern for the victims of the devastating floods in Borno State,” Okunbor said.