NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P JV to Scale Proven Social Impact Across Nigeria

The NNPC Limited/FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture has introduced 'Impact FIRST: Heritage', a new multi-year grant programme aimed at providing sustained funding and long-term partnership support to exceptional Nigerian non-governmental organisations (NGOs). This initiative took place at an inaugural grant presentation ceremony held in Ikoyi, Lagos, where representatives from the JV, beneficiary organisations, development stakeholders, and media gathered to mark a new chapter in the Joint Venture's commitment to sustainable social investment.

Building on the success of the flagship Impact FIRST grant programme launched in 2024, Impact FIRST: Heritage aims to support innovative NGOs tackling critical social challenges across Nigeria. Since its inception, the programme has provided assistance to 15 NGOs, positively impacting over 20,000 beneficiaries nationwide. Speaking at the ceremony, Emmanuel Etomi, Executive Director of Corporate Services at FIRST E&P, hailed Impact FIRST: Heritage as a significant evolution of the Joint Venture's social investment journey, celebrating five outstanding organisations that continue to enhance lives, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for vulnerable populations.

By offering long-term support to these organizations, the JV aims to scale their impact, bolster their capacity, and generate even greater value for the communities they serve.

Olanrewaju Igandan, Chief Upstream Investment Officer at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), emphasized the transition from an annual corporate giving programme to a multi-year grant framework, highlighting a strategic and mature approach to social investment that aligns with sustainable development goals. Usman Mohammed-Bello, Advisor for Community Relations at NUIMS, commended FIRST E&P for this forward-looking initiative and pledged the organization's commitment to fostering impactful social value creation in line with national development priorities.

Representing the beneficiary organisations, Pascal Achunine, Executive Director of the Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), expressed gratitude to the NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P JV for the support and confidence shown to the selected organizations. He noted that this investment represents more than financial assistance; it is a testament to the vital work being done by social sector organizations to improve lives and strengthen communities, and he expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to expand their reach and impact.