By Ayomide Otitoju
The NNPC/Renaissance Joint Venture (JV) has contributed $300,000 to the National Hospital, Abuja, to support the maintenance of its Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Radiotherapy Machine, a state-of-the-art cancer treatment device donated by the JV in 2019 as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The 2019 project included enhancing the entire cancer treatment ecosystem, providing and installing ancillary systems, and training healthcare professionals to operate the sophisticated machinery. The intervention has enabled treatment for over 2,000 patients, reduced therapy costs by 80%, shortened session times from 12 minutes to 2 minutes, and provided subsidised care for 712 indigent patients at discounts ranging from 25% to 100%.
Speaking at an event on Tuesday at the office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Engr. Oluwaseyi Omotowa, Chief Upstream Investment Officer at NNPC Upstream Investment Management Services, said the donation would ensure timely maintenance, minimise machine downtime, guarantee compliance with medical standards, and maintain accurate calibration critical for precise radiotherapy.
“The sustainability of such advanced medical technology hinges on regular maintenance, which presents a critical challenge due to funding constraints. Recognising this, the NNPC/Renaissance JV is taking a strategic step forward,” Omotowa said, adding that the partnership aims to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and build a foundation for future medical advancements.
Dr. Muhammed Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, praised the donation, urging other industry players to emulate the initiative. He highlighted that such support expands access to affordable cancer treatment and complements government efforts to improve healthcare under President Bola Tinubu’s renewed focus on the sector.
The Chief Medical Director of National Hospital, Muhammad Raji Mahmud, described the support as a “lifeline of hope” for thousands of cancer patients, noting its impact in reducing dependency on medical tourism and strengthening domestic healthcare capacity.
Tony Attah, Managing Director and CEO of Renaissance Africa Energy Company, emphasised that the donation is a strategic investment in Nigerians’ well-being, health system resilience, and national development, stating: “This is not charity. This is an investment in a healthier, stronger, and more productive nation.”
