The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has unveiled an ambitious plan to sponsor 2,000 medical surgeries across Nigeria before the end of the second quarter of 2025. This initiative is part of the company’s broader commitment to improving healthcare access and contributing to national socio-economic development. The announcement was made by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, during a stakeholders’ engagement with the National Assembly Press Corps in Abuja on Saturday night.
NNPCL’s Healthcare Initiatives
Soneye highlighted the significant strides NNPCL has made in the healthcare sector through its foundation. He revealed that the company has already conducted 1,000 free cataract surgeries in the South-West region, restoring sight to many individuals. Building on this success, NNPCL plans to perform an additional 1,000 surgeries in the North and another 1,000 in the South-East and South-South regions by mid-2025.
“Through the NNPCL Foundation, we have conducted 1,000 free cataract surgeries in the South-West, restoring sight to many individuals. We are set to perform another 1,000 surgeries in the North and an additional 1,000 in the South-East and South-South before the end of the second quarter of 2025,” Soneye stated.
Beyond Fuel Supply: A Commitment to National Development
Soneye emphasized that NNPCL’s mission extends beyond its core responsibility of fuel supply. The company is dedicated to improving the quality of life for Nigerians and contributing to the nation’s overall development. “The goal of the oil company is not only to provide quality petrol at affordable costs but also to contribute meaningfully to the development of a Nigeria that works for all,” he said.
Collaboration with Afreximbank on the African Medical Centre of Excellence
In addition to its surgical initiatives, NNPCL is collaborating with Afreximbank on the African Medical Centre of Excellence (AMCE), a state-of-the-art 500-bed hospital specializing in oncology, hematology, cardiology, and advanced medical training. This strategic investment aims to enhance access to specialized healthcare and ensure that Nigerians receive world-class medical treatment.
“This strategic investment aims to enhance access to specialised healthcare, ensuring that Nigerians receive world-class medical treatment. The AMCE is scheduled to commence operations in June 2025,” Soneye explained.
NNPCL Medical Hospital: A Lifeline for Thousands
Soneye also provided updates on the NNPCL Medical Hospital in Abuja, which has been a critical healthcare provider in the region. In 2024 alone, the hospital attended to 122,483 patients, offering a wide range of medical services, including radiology, physiotherapy, maternity care, dental and eye treatments, and life-saving surgeries.
“The hospital has been instrumental in providing critical care to accident victims and offering essential medical services, including radiology, physiotherapy, maternity care, dental and eye treatments, and life-saving surgeries. Across Nigeria, NNPCL hospitals continue to play a pivotal role in improving healthcare access and saving lives,” he said.
The Role of Oil in National Development
Soneye underscored the vital role of oil in Nigeria’s development, describing it as the backbone of the nation’s economy. He highlighted how oil fuels transportation, powers industries, and generates revenues that support national development. Beyond its macroeconomic contributions, oil plays an integral role in daily life, often in ways that are taken for granted.
“For nations like Nigeria, oil is more than just a commodity; it fuels transportation, powers industries, and generates revenues that support national development. Beyond its contribution to the macro-economy, oil plays an integral role in our daily lives, often in ways we take for granted. Without oil, modern life as we know it would be vastly different,” Soneye stated.
A Vision for a Healthier Nigeria
NNPCL’s healthcare initiatives reflect the company’s vision for a healthier and more prosperous Nigeria. By sponsoring medical surgeries, investing in specialized healthcare facilities, and providing essential medical services, NNPCL is making a tangible impact on the lives of Nigerians. These efforts align with the company’s broader commitment to corporate social responsibility and national development.
Conclusion: NNPCL’s Holistic Approach to National Progress
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited is demonstrating that its role extends far beyond fuel supply. Through its healthcare initiatives, NNPCL is addressing critical gaps in the nation’s healthcare system and improving the quality of life for countless Nigerians. The company’s commitment to sponsoring 2,000 medical surgeries by mid-2025, its collaboration on the African Medical Centre of Excellence, and the impactful services provided by its hospitals underscore its dedication to national progress.
As NNPCL continues to leverage its resources and expertise to drive socio-economic development, it sets a powerful example for other corporate entities in Nigeria. By prioritizing healthcare and other critical sectors, NNPCL is helping to build a Nigeria that works for all, ensuring a brighter and healthier future for generations to come.
