In barely four years of its operations, Nipco has made remarkable impact on the Nigerian downstream sector of the oil and gas industry. It remained an exceptional brand with a very strong appeal and good market position. Nipco has become a household name in the country today.
The company has constantly demonstrated its social responsibility by supporting various activities in the area of public enlightenment on the downstream sector in particular and the oil and gas in general.
Nipco has partnered government and non-government agencies to promote issues that become issues on the lives of its various publics. The company’s activities in these areas which are not exhaustive include the following: sponsoring of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) enlightenment programme in 2004 on the federal government deregulation of the downstream sector of the oil and gas sector with the technical support of the Petroleum Product Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The seminar targeted mainly at independent marketers was also aimed at further espousing government’s role in the sector and what opportunities opened to then in the event of full deregulation of the sector.
The company also supported the forth estate of the realm the media, through one of its professional affiliates, the National Association of Energy Correspondents (NAEC) in 2006 by picking some of its bills during a national seminar on the downstream sector. The parley which drew dignitaries from within and outside the sector provided avenue to review government effort so far with due reference to on-going development and future prospects of the sector visa-vice private sector participation.
Still on showcasing the gains, problems and prospects of the sector, Nipco partnered with Redsquare Africa to underwrite the expenses in organising an international conference on the downstream sector with the theme: Raising Standards. The two days programme held in Lagos October 2007, stall ruminate on the sector with a view to identifying areas that could be improved upon to the benefits of all stakeholders. The IPMAN president Engr. Tunde Runsewe was one of the keynote speakers of the forum which also attracted agencies such as DPR, PPPRA, PEF etc.
In December 2006 when Nigeria hosted the 143rd extraordinary conference of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) in Abuja, Nipco in conjunction with its partnering stations under the aegis supported the federal government. The supports were in the area of publicity and transportation.
However, beyond the realm of enlightenment on the goings on in the sector, the company also place high premium on the development of its immediate operating environment and the Nigerian community at large.
In the area of communal infrastructural development, the company in July 2007 embark on the rehabilitation of Dockyard road and the clearing of the drains along the road stretching over 500 metres prior to the commencement of work on the road commuters and motorist plying the road have had tales of woes to tell on a daily basis. Although full rehabilitation and laying of asphalt is yet to be done on the road due to the on-going rains and documentation with relevant government agencies, users of the road now have some respite.
In the area of education a key CSR programme will soon be unveiled to the populace and it is akin to the on-going “Adopt a school” programme of the federal government as enunciated by the former minister of education, Mrs. Obiageli Ezekwesili under the programme which shall be undertaken in collaboration with the Lagos State Government in the pilot project will see the company changing educational landscape of the state through its investment in the chosen public school.
Also in the pipeline is an eye programme to be targeted initially to independent fuel marketers across the length and breadth of the country. When the initiation comes on stream it will address some of the sight problems being encountered by some of the workforce the independent marketers.
In view of the nitch the company has cared for itself as one of the fastest growing downstream players in Nigeria, it has come to realize and value the challenge taken by their operating environment.
This explains the enormous responsibility placed by the management on a adequately and promptly response to causes that have grave special implications to their numerous publics.
To the company, CSR is a social investment that is principal aimed at brining meaningful development not only to the immediate environment we operate but also to the larger society.
For us in Nipco, to be socially responsive is a feat that cannot be compromised since our growth is strategically tied to the mainstay of the Nigerian economy Oil.
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