NNPCL to fund 2,000 surgeries, build medical centre

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited has disclosed plans to conduct 2,000 medical surgeries before the end of the second quarter of 2025.

The Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, stated this in a stakeholders’ engagement with the National Assembly Press Corps in Abuja on Saturday night.

Highlighting the contribution of the oil sector to the nation’s socio-economic development over the years, Soneye reiterated the company’s commitment to driving national progress.

Re-echoing NNPCL’s commitment to national aspiration, the image maker listed many initiatives carried out by the company in recent times, outside its core responsibility.

“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,” he stated.

According to him, the goal of the oil company is not only to provide quality petrol to Nigerians at an affordable cost but also to contribute its quota to the realisation of a Nigeria that works for all.

“I’m glad to have you here again at this stakeholder engagement proudly sponsored by NNPCL.

“It is truly heartwarming to see how it has brought us together. At NNPCL, we believe in fueling not just vehicles but also meaningful moments like this. Tonight is another night that NNPCL will successfully power laughter and great partnerships,” he said.

Soneye also hinted at NNPCL’s collaboration with Afreximbank to complete the African Medical Centre of Excellence, a 500-bed hospital that will specialise in oncology, haematology, cardiology, and advanced medical training for Nigerians.

“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 disclosed.

He also provided updates on the NNPCL Medical Hospital in Abuja, which, in 2024 alone, attended to 122,483 patients.

“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. This is a direct demonstration of how NNPCL is utilising oil revenues to positively impact the lives of Nigerians daily,” he said.

Soneye highlighted the importance of oil beyond its commercial value, describing it as the backbone of Nigeria’s economic growth, industrialization, and social progress.

“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,” he added.

Soneye reaffirmed NNPCL’s commitment to ensuring energy accessibility, and economic stability, and fostering global partnerships that strengthen the oil industry in the interest of all Nigerians.

He pledged the readiness of the company to harness the nation’s oil resources efficiently while aligning with global best practices in environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

“At NNPC Ltd., we remain committed to ensuring energy accessibility, and economic stability, and fostering global partnerships that strengthen the oil industry for the benefit of our people.

“Our responsibility is to harness this vital resource efficiently while aligning with global best practices in environmental sustainability and energy efficiency,” he said.

He called for collective efforts in driving policies and innovations aimed at ensuring national prosperity.

“Together, we must continue to drive policies and innovations that secure the prosperity of our dear country,” he concluded.