New Ward Project Boosts Patient Care at Igbobi Hospital

NNPC Limited has commissioned and handed over three rehabilitated wards at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos. The intervention came through the NNPC Foundation, which serves as the company’s corporate social responsibility arm.

The project covered Wards G, H and J within the hospital. Together, the upgraded facilities now provide more than 100 beds for patients receiving specialist orthopaedic treatment.

Engineers installed a central medical gas system across the wards. Workers also replaced damaged roofs and ceilings during the renovation process. In addition, the project included upgrades to electrical systems, mechanical infrastructure and flooring.

Hospital officials said the wards had suffered years of deterioration before the intervention began. As a result, doctors and nurses struggled to operate at full capacity within some sections of the facility.

The rehabilitation project lasted for about twelve months. However, hospital management believes the long-term impact will extend far beyond the physical structures.

Company Links Profitability With Social Impact

Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Limited, Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, said the company now places stronger focus on social impact alongside financial performance.

Ojulari attended the event through the company’s Chief Financial Officer, Adedapo Segun. According to him, organisations should measure success not only through profits but also through the number of lives they positively influence.

He explained that healthcare remains one of the sectors requiring urgent attention across Nigeria because many public institutions continue to face infrastructure challenges that affect service delivery and patient experience.

The NNPC chief also stated that the Igbobi project reflects the company’s broader commitment to sustainable national development. Furthermore, he noted that the Foundation would continue supporting projects capable of delivering practical benefits across communities.

Healthcare experts have repeatedly called for stronger collaboration between public institutions and private organisations in Nigeria. Consequently, several companies now invest more resources into healthcare support initiatives.

For many stakeholders, projects like the Igbobi rehabilitation demonstrate how corporate organisations can contribute meaningfully to national development while strengthening public trust and community relationships at the same time.

Foundation Expands ESG-Focused Projects

Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, Emmanuella Arukwe, described the intervention as part of the organisation’s commitment to improving lives through practical solutions.

She explained that stronger healthcare systems directly affect productivity, economic growth and overall wellbeing within communities. Therefore, the Foundation continues to prioritise projects that align with national development needs.

Arukwe also linked the project to Environmental, Social and Governance goals. According to her, the Foundation intends to increase investments across sectors that support long-term sustainability and social progress. Beyond healthcare, the Foundation currently supports projects in education, agriculture, youth empowerment and humanitarian relief.

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In recent years, ESG discussions have gained stronger attention among Nigerian companies and investors. Many organisations now face growing pressure from stakeholders who expect visible community impact alongside financial performance and operational growth. As a result, companies increasingly include sustainability goals within their corporate strategies.

Executive Vice President, Business Services at NNPC Limited, Mrs Sophia Mbakwe, also praised the project during the event. She said the intervention reflects the company’s commitment to restoring dignity and creating lasting value for Nigerians.

According to Mbakwe, NNPC wants its social investments to produce measurable results across the country. She added that the company would continue supporting initiatives that improve everyday life for citizens.

Hospital Management Welcomes Transformation

Medical Director of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Dr. Wakeel Lawal, expressed appreciation to NNPC Limited for responding to the hospital’s request for support.

Lawal explained that the wards previously operated under difficult conditions because ageing infrastructure affected both patient comfort and healthcare delivery. However, he noted that the rehabilitation has significantly improved the environment within the hospital.

He added that the upgraded wards now meet higher standards and will help medical personnel perform their duties more effectively. In addition, patients and their families are expected to benefit from improved treatment conditions.

According to Lawal, the intervention represents more than a renovation project because it restores hope within the hospital community. Many healthcare workers at the facility reportedly welcomed the development during the commissioning ceremony.

Dignitaries present at the event included representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, members of the hospital’s management team and traditional leaders from the Somolu area of Lagos.

The ceremony ended with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to officially mark the handover of the rehabilitated wards to hospital management.