NNPC Foundation Elevates Healthcare in South-East with MRI Machine Donation to NAUTH Nnewi

NNPC Foundation, the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm of NNPC Limited, has commissioned and officially handed over a fully installed 1.5 Tesla Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) System to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, in Anambra State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Limited, Andy Odeh.
The intervention, which forms part of NNPC Ltd’s commitment to improving healthcare access and strengthening medical infrastructure across Nigeria, is expected to greatly enhance access to advanced diagnostic imaging services for millions of Nigerians in the South-East states of Anambra, Enugu, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi, as well as neighbouring Delta State.
The project involved the delivery, installation, calibration, testing and commissioning of the state-of-the-art 1.5 Tesla MRI Machine, alongside critical supporting infrastructure. These include RF shielding systems, chillers, backup UPS systems, electrical installations, specialised imaging accessories, ventilation systems, CCTV and oxygen monitoring systems, intercom communication facilities, and other patient comfort technologies designed to ensure optimal operation of the facility.
Before the intervention, patients requiring advanced MRI diagnostic services often faced long waiting periods, high costs and the challenge of travelling long distances in search of functional imaging centres.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony held on Friday at the Igwe Orizu ICT Centre, NAUTH Permanent Site, Anambra State, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPC Ltd., Engr. Bashir Bayo Ojulari, who was represented by the Managing Director of NNPC Foundation Ltd./Gte, Mrs. Emmanuella Arukwe, described the intervention as a strategic investment in healthcare access, diagnostic precision and improved patient outcomes.
He noted that the facility aligns with the Company’s commitment to building sustainable systems and impactful national institutions.
“The installation of the MRI in NAUTH exemplifies our commitment as our intent is to build enduring institutions, sustainable systems and legacies. This intervention aligns with our conviction that access to quality healthcare underpins human dignity, longevity and economic productivity,” the GCEO stated.
He added that the Company’s social investments serve as viable channels for strengthening the relationship between its core mandate of providing and managing energy for Nigerians and meeting stakeholders’ expectations.
In his remarks, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said the intervention would enhance safe and accurate diagnosis and treatment for patients across the South-East region.
He also commended the NNPC Foundation for donating the MRI facility, noting that the intervention would significantly improve access to quality healthcare services for the people.
Also speaking, the Executive Vice President, Business Services, NNPC Ltd., Mrs. Sophia Mbakwe, represented by the Chief Supply Chain Officer, NNPC Ltd., Engr. Isokariari Telema, reaffirmed the Company’s commitment to responsive and equitable social investments aimed at positively impacting the lives of Nigerians.
“In over forty years of its existence, NNPC has stayed the course in impacting lives positively across Nigeria — supporting infrastructural development, social amenities, educational sponsorships and several other projects and initiatives that have underscored our values of Integrity, Excellence and Sustainability,” she said.
On his part, the Chief Medical Director of NAUTH, Prof. Joseph Ugboaja, praised the leadership of NNPC Ltd. for recognising the strategic importance of healthcare to national prosperity and well-being.
He assured the Foundation that the hospital would maximise the MRI facility for the benefit of the public.
“For too long, patients in our catchment area have had to travel long distances to access this level of diagnostic precision, often at prohibitive costs. With this installation, we will eliminate that burden. NNPC Foundation has demonstrated that corporate social responsibility is not just a policy statement but a lifeline for institutions like ours,” he stated.