NNPC Empowers Over 2,600 Corps Members to Launch Businesses, Tackles Youth Unemployment Through Social Investment
In a bold step towards addressing youth unemployment and fostering inclusive economic development, the NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility arm of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), has empowered 2,659 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members with the skills, tools, and financial support to start their own businesses.
The empowerment program, carried out in partnership with the NYSC, is designed not just as a business initiative but as a transformational platform for youth empowerment. The initiative focused on nurturing a generation of job creators rather than job seekers—a much-needed intervention in a country where youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing social challenges.
The multi-phase program included financial literacy training, business development workshops, and a business pitching competition, giving young entrepreneurs the tools to turn their ideas into sustainable ventures. The standout feature of the program was its inclusivity—participants from all regions were given equal opportunity to benefit, regardless of background or discipline.
Out of thousands of applicants, 531 corps members were selected for startup grants and toolkits to launch or scale their businesses. These winners also received business advisory services to ensure long-term sustainability—underscoring NNPC Foundation’s commitment to not just starting businesses, but helping them thrive.
“This initiative isn’t just about funding—it’s about creating a culture of resilience, innovation, and impact among Nigeria’s youth,” said an NNPC Foundation spokesperson.
In a bid to lower barriers to formal entrepreneurship, the program also facilitated a 50% reduction in business registration fees for corps members through a partnership with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). This support allows young entrepreneurs to enter the formal economy more easily, promoting regulatory compliance, tax contributions, and business legitimacy from day one.
While the numbers are impressive, the true impact lies in the lives being changed—young Nigerians gaining financial independence, families lifted out of poverty, and communities benefiting from grassroots enterprise.
For CSR observers, the initiative represents a model of effective corporate citizenship—one that goes beyond token gestures and drives measurable social outcomes.
“Empowering young people with the tools and confidence to build their own futures is perhaps the most meaningful CSR any corporation can undertake,” said Ifeanyi Olatunde, a development expert and policy analyst. “This is how we break the cycle of unemployment and dependency.”
As more Nigerian companies face increasing pressure to align with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards, the NNPC Foundation’s corps empowerment program stands out as a benchmark for impact-driven CSR. It shows that corporate Nigeria can be an engine of social progress—when investment is not only financial but also purpose-driven.
With this initiative, NNPCL is not just fueling the economy; it’s igniting hope, empowering youth, and laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and resilient future.