NNPC/SPDC JV is committed to impacting lives through sustainable development projects

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC Ltd.) and Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), through their joint venture partnership, have reiterated their commitment to impacting lives through sustainable development projects in Nigeria.

This was disclosed by the two companies during the commissioning of a state-of-the-art ICT centre at the Bauchi State University, Gadau (BASUG), built by the NNPC/SPDC JV, on Thursday.

NNPC Limited’s Chief Upstream Investment Officer (CUIO), Mr. Bala Wunti, stated during a colorful commissioning ceremony at the university in Gadau, Bauchi State, that CSR has always been the cornerstone of the NNPC-SPDC JV CSR commitments.

“Today’s historic commissioning of this ultra-modern ICT Centre at the BASUG is a testament to the positive and sustainable impact of the oil and gas industry on Nigerians,” Wunti, who was represented by the Head, Business Services, NUIMS, Mr. Sani Kabo, said.

In a statement by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Ltd., Mr. Olufemi Soneye, on Friday, Wunti observed that for several decades, the JV has consistently invested in impactful CSR initiatives across the length and breadth of the country.

He further noted that the successful completion of the ICT centre exemplifies NNPC Ltd.’s commitment to contributing to sustainable development, improving access to quality education, and fostering innovation in Nigeria.

While praising the JV’s impact on the community, Wunti also thanked the locals for their tremendous support and hospitality towards the project.

He called for continuous support from the Bauchi and Gombe State governments, traditional institutions, and members of the various host communities in the area, especially towards the Kolmani Integrated Development Project.

Mr. Osagie Okunbor, the Managing Director of SPDC and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, described the commissioning as another significant social investment project that the JV in North-East Nigeria had completed.

The vision to enhance critical educational infrastructure, support access to high-demand IT skills, and inspire the growth of the IT ecosystem in Bauchi State and northeast Nigeria drove the journey to establish the facility, according to Osagie, who acknowledged the collaborative effort of both parties in the JV.

The state-of-the-art facility houses a Wi-Fi lounge, computer laboratories, conference rooms, lecture halls, office spaces, and a combined 3D printing and hardware lab.

The centre also has high-performance computers and smart interactive boards for students, fostering an environment that is conducive to learning and innovation.