The NNPC Engineering and Technical Company Limited (NETCO) recently engaged in a comprehensive discussion with representatives from the NNPC Foundation to explore alternative ways to improve the impact of NETCO Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
The conversation, led by the MD NETCO represented by Umar Aminu, Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, NETCO and Teniola Abu, Deputy Manager, Special Program of the NNPC Foundation; delved into the intricate details of the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of aligning CSR initiatives for a more impactful contribution to the national economy.
During the discussion, Teniola Abu clarified the role of NNPC Foundation as the overarching entity consolidating CSR efforts across NNPC subsidiaries. She emphasized that the foundation serves as the coordinating body for CSR projects, streamlining efforts to create a more significant impact on the communities served.
The NNPC Foundation, incorporated in February 2023, is designed to manage CSR initiatives for NNPC Limited and its subsidiaries. The Foundation operates in the areas of education, health, environment, and energy accessibility aligning with global sustainable development goals and Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) principles.
Umar Aminu raised concerns about the potential clash of interests and the recognition of NETCO's specific contributions within the broader NNPC Foundation initiatives. He highlighted the need for clear communication and branding to ensure that NETCO's efforts are acknowledged within the larger framework of the foundation.
Questions were raised from the NETCO representatives present, about funding mechanisms and how the programmes were to be financed; with Teniola Abu clarifying that NETCO could access funding through NNPC Foundation, especially if NETCO attracts investors or donors.
The session also touched upon the benefits of the Foundation and its activities to NNPC and its subsidiaries, including NETCO, such as in cases of tax optimization, superior branding, positive image projection, ESG reporting and governance.
The conversation focused on collaborative nature of CSR projects, with NETCO and NNPC Foundation working together from the initiation to the commissioning of projects. This collaborative approach ensures that both entities play an active role in identifying community needs and executing projects.
The NNPC Foundation team, led by Teniola Abu, demonstrated a keen understanding of NETCO's unique position as an engineering company during the collaborative discussion. The Chief Operating Officer, Engr. Abdullahi Yuguda, shed light on NETCO's distinct approach to corporate social responsibility (CSR), stressing on the need for investment in both routine and project-specific initiatives.
The acknowledgment of NETCO's peculiarities underscored the need for a flexible strategy in managing CSR endeavors. Engr. Yuguda delved into the intricacies of NETCO's CSR landscape, pointing out the distinction between routine projects conducted within the community where NETCO is situated and project-specific initiatives intricately linked to the locations of contracted projects.
The discussion further dissected the challenges and considerations associated with these two categories of CSR efforts. Routine projects, typically carried out in the immediate community surrounding NETCO's office, were contrasted with project-specific initiatives that necessitate a more dynamic and location-specific approach. The team contemplated the optimal balance between these two facets of CSR, recognizing the importance of adapting strategies to the unique demands of each scenario.
NETCO inquired about the inclusion of NNPC Foundation in projects where clients partner with NETCO for CSR initiatives. The foundation affirmed its willingness to be part of such projects and stressed the importance of clear communication to ensure a seamless collaboration.
The meeting concluded with a mutual understanding that effective collaboration between NETCO and NNPC Foundation is crucial for maximizing the impact of CSR initiatives.
The alignment of goals, clear communication, and branding efforts were highlighted as key elements to ensure a successful partnership.
Moving forward, NETCO expressed its commitment to working closely with the NNPC Foundation to enhance its CSR contributions and strengthen the overall impact on communities and the national economy.