The NNPC Limited/FIRST Exploration and Petroleum Development Company Limited Joint Venture has introduced a new multi-year grant programme aimed at strengthening Nigerian non-governmental organisations making a measurable difference in society.
Known as Impact FIRST: Heritage, the initiative is designed to provide long-term financial support and strategic partnership to organisations that have demonstrated strong governance, accountability and sustainable impact.
The programme was officially unveiled at the inaugural Impact FIRST: Heritage Grant Presentation Ceremony in Ikoyi, Lagos. The event brought together representatives of the Joint Venture, beneficiary organisations, development stakeholders and members of the media.
Impact FIRST: Heritage is an extension of the Joint Venture’s existing Impact FIRST programme, which began in 2024. The earlier initiative was created to support innovative NGOs working to solve some of Nigeria’s most pressing social challenges.
Since its launch, Impact FIRST has supported 15 organisations whose programmes have reportedly reached more than 20,000 people across the country.
However, the Heritage programme takes a different approach. Rather than providing one-time annual grants to a wide range of organisations, it focuses on building longer-term relationships with proven beneficiaries.
The selected organisations were chosen after a detailed assessment of their governance structures, social impact, ability to deliver programmes sustainably and potential to expand their work.
Five organisations received the inaugural Heritage grants. They are The IREDE Foundation, which supports children living with limb loss through prosthetic limbs and related services; Asido Foundation, which works to rehabilitate and reintegrate people living with severe mental health conditions; and Cerebral Palsy Centre, which provides long-term care and support for people living with cerebral palsy.
Also selected are the Health and Development Support Programme, known for providing eye-care services and sight-restoring surgeries to underserved communities, and the Health Emergency Initiative, which focuses on improving access to emergency healthcare and strengthening first-responder capacity.
Speaking at the ceremony, FIRST E&P Executive Director, Corporate Services, Emmanuel Etomi, described the programme as a major step forward in the Joint Venture’s social investment strategy.
He said supporting organisations with proven results would allow them to expand their programmes, improve their capacity and reach more vulnerable Nigerians.
Representing the NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services leadership, Usman Mohammed-Bello also welcomed the initiative, describing the move towards multi-year funding as a more strategic approach to corporate social investment.
For the beneficiary organisations, the funding represents more than financial assistance. Health Emergency Initiative Executive Director, Pascal Achunine, said the support demonstrates confidence in the work being carried out by organisations within Nigeria’s social sector.
Through Impact FIRST: Heritage, the Joint Venture hopes to strengthen successful interventions and improve access to essential services in areas including healthcare, education, economic empowerment and community development.
The initiative signals a growing shift from short-term corporate giving towards long-term partnerships designed to create lasting social and economic impact in Nigeria.
