The NNPC Limited/FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited (FIRST E&P) Joint Venture has launched a new multi-year grant programme, Impact FIRST: Heritage, to support Nigerian non-governmental organisations delivering measurable social impact. The initiative provides sustained funding and long-term partnership support to five NGOs with strong governance and proven ability to deliver lasting change.
Inaugural Grant Ceremony Held in Lagos
The first grant presentation ceremony took place in Ikoyi, Lagos, gathering representatives of the Joint Venture, beneficiary organisations, development stakeholders, and media. The programme builds on the success of the 2024 Impact FIRST grant initiative, which has supported 15 organisations reaching over 20,000 beneficiaries nationwide.
Unlike the annual Impact FIRST, which offers one-off grants to a wider pool, Impact FIRST: Heritage targets organisations with demonstrated performance, providing multi-year support to strengthen institutional capacity, expand proven interventions, and achieve greater impact over time, according to a report by Punch.
Five Nigerian NGOs Selected as Beneficiaries
Following a rigorous assessment, the five inaugural beneficiaries are: The IREDE Foundation, which provides prosthetic limbs and support services for child amputees; Asido Foundation, which supports rehabilitation and reintegration of people with severe mental health conditions; and Cerebral Palsy Centre, which offers long-term care for people living with cerebral palsy. Also selected are the Health and Development Support Programme, known for eye-care interventions and sight-restoring surgeries for underserved communities, and the Health Emergency Initiative (HEI), which expands access to emergency healthcare and supports first-responder capacity development.
Executives Highlight Strategic Shift in Social Investment
At the ceremony, Emmanuel Etomi, Executive Director, Corporate Services at FIRST E&P, described the programme as an important evolution in the Joint Venture's social investment strategy. He said it would enable organisations with proven results to scale their work, strengthen capacity, and create greater value for vulnerable communities.
Olanrewaju Igandan, Chief Upstream Investment Officer of NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), represented by Usman Mohammed-Bello, Advisor, Community Relations, NUIMS, said the shift from annual giving to multi-year funding reflects a more strategic approach. He commended FIRST E&P and reaffirmed NUIMS' commitment to collaborative efforts supporting national development priorities.
Beneficiaries Welcome Long-Term Support
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, HEI Executive Director Pascal Achunine expressed appreciation, describing the investment as more than funding. He said the grant represents a vote of confidence in organisations working across Nigeria's social sector and would help them deepen their impact and reach more beneficiaries.
Through Impact FIRST: Heritage, the NNPC Limited/FIRST E&P JV aims to strengthen proven interventions and expand access to critical services in healthcare, education, economic empowerment, and community development.
