NNPCL and Shell Offer Free Eye Surgeries and Health Checks in Lagos
The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) and Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) have carried out a free health programme called Vision First in Mushin Local Council, Lagos State. This is the fourth time they are doing this kind of outreach in the area. The programme lasted for five days and gave free eye surgeries, heart checks, and health education to people living in Mushin and nearby places.
What Happened at the Health Outreach?
The health outreach started on July 7, 2025. On July 8, officials from NNPCL, Shell, Lagos State Government, Mushin Local Council, and leaders in the community came together to open the programme officially.
On the first day of the programme alone, more than 700 people were given free health services. This includes different services like:
- Eye screening and free eye surgery for people who had problems seeing well
- Heart screening for people to know if they have heart-related health problems
- General health talks to teach people how to take care of their health at home
This outreach was supported by Kolmarg Eyesight Foundation. The Bonga North Project also helped to sponsor the event as part of Shell's commitment to support health in the communities where they work.
Why Is This Outreach Programme Important?
The Vision First programme is important because it shows that NNPCL and Shell care about the health of people in the areas where they operate. Many people in Mushin and nearby communities cannot afford surgeries or medical checks, especially for their eyes and hearts. Programmes like this help them get the help they need without paying any money.
Ronald Adams, the Managing Director of SNEPCo, said that the Bonga North Project is not just about oil, but also about improving the lives of people. Supporting this health outreach is one way they are doing that.
Also, Oluwaseyi Omotowa, who works with the National Upstream Investment Management Services (NUIMS), said that this outreach is a clear example of how companies can help bring better healthcare to Nigerians who need it the most.
How the Community Benefits from the Programme
This is not the first time NNPCL and Shell are doing this. Since 2022, their Vision First programme has helped thousands of people. So far, they have:
- Given eye care to over 4,000 people across different communities
- Shared almost 2,000 eyeglasses to people who could not see well
- Carried out about 200 surgeries to remove cataracts and other eye problems so people can see clearly again
The outreach is not just about eye care. It also includes other important support. For example, they have rebuilt some public hospitals, given scholarships to students, and even donated equipment to treat cancer in public hospitals. These efforts are part of their social investment in Nigeria.
Common Questions People Ask About the Health Outreach
Many Nigerians want to know more about this kind of free medical programme. Below are some questions people often ask and the answers:
Are the surgeries and screenings really free?
How often does the Vision First outreach take place?
Does the programme only happen in Mushin?
Health Needs in Mushin Are High
Mushin is a fast-growing part of Lagos where more than 1.3 million people live and carry out their daily activities. Many families face health challenges every day because there is not enough clean water, proper waste disposal, or affordable hospitals. Most people rely on government hospitals or small private clinics for medical care, especially for mothers and children.
The Vision First programme is helping to solve this problem by bringing free and quality health services directly to the people. It works alongside other health projects in Mushin like the General Hospital Mushin outreach, which gives free family planning, immunisations, and general medical care to residents.
How to Join the Next Vision First Outreach
If you live in Mushin or any nearby area, you can benefit from the next edition of the outreach. Watch out for announcements on radio, community groups, or in local hospitals. You can also visit General Hospital Mushin or nearby health centres to ask about how to take part. It is important to go early, as many people attend.
How This Programme Helps Nigeria
Programmes like Vision First help Nigeria grow stronger. When companies like Shell and NNPCL support health, education, and welfare, they reduce the pressure on government hospitals and help families who cannot afford private care. By offering these services every year, they also build trust in the communities where they work. It is a good example of how private organisations and communities can work together to make life better for everyone.