At IHS Nigeria, we are deeply dedicated to our people and communities. We understand the importance of building a diverse and inclusive workforce who are well supported within the business. Equally, we strive to make a positive impact across Nigerian communities. Our passion for our people and communities has remained at the heart of our efforts towards SDG 3 – Good health and well-being, SDG 5 – Gender equality, and SDG 10 – Reduced inequalities over 2023 and 2024.
Across 2023 and 2024, we implemented and supported a variety of community initiatives and projects which impacted local communities and continued to nourish strong relationships with our host communities.
At IHS Nigeria we recognise the improvements to be made within the health sector and are working towards broadening the accessibility of essential services across the country. Over the past years, we have led efforts and initiatives aimed at ending Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) across Nigeria.
Tackling Neglected Tropical Diseases
According to the World Health Organization, over 168 million Nigerians need treatment for one or more neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). IHS Nigeria is a long-term partner of the END Fund, a philanthropic fund solely dedicated to ending NTDs and providing life-changing treatments to those affected by onchocerciasis, lymphatic filariasis, schistosomiasis, and soil-transmitted helminthiasis.
In 2023, IHS Nigeria supported the END Fund, bolstered by a matching grant from the Gates Foundation, and delivered treatment to 1,020,153 people and trained 492 health workers in Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, and Osun States. We also joined the global community to mark World NTDs Day, participating in the national program, which included a week-long series of activities. Highlights included the launch of the 2023-2027 NTD Masterplan and the END Fund-commissioned Nigerian NTD Economic Impact Study Report.
In 2024, 201 hydrocele surgeries were conducted, 171 personnel trained on NTD data digitization in Akwa Ibom, 5,396 community-directed distributors trained, and mass drug administration for onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis was conducted in 13 local government areas across Borno State.
FCT Renewed Hope Medical Outreach
In 2024, IHS Nigeria partnered with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration Health Service and Environment Secretariat to deliver the “FCT Renewed Hope Medical Outreach” to 9,113 people, 224 surgeries, and 750 environmentally friendly gas burners and cylinders distributed, and 206 health insurance provided. This program integrated health and environmental stewardship to empower disadvantaged communities across the FCT. The environmentally friendly gas burners help the beneficiaries reduce exposure to respiratory diseases, shift to cleaner fuels which reduces deforestation and are a significant step towards meeting Nigeria’s National Clean Cooking Policy approved by the Federal Executive Council, which has a target to increase the use of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to 54% and electric stoves to 20% of the total clean cooking energy mix by 2030.*
Promoting Vaccination Efforts For Children
Creating access to the treatment of diseases and health issues are critical for reducing mortality across Nigeria. At IHS Nigeria, we have taken proactive measures in ensuring that immunizations are increased across the country, especially amongst children. In 2024, we partnered with the Nigeria Solidarity Support Fund (NSSF) to provide intensified routine immunization for 10,399 under 0-12months, and 3,464 aged 1-2 years through 682 sessions across 196 wards in 18 local government areas.
The program commenced in 2023 with a flagship event at the Roll Back Malaria office in Calabar. In 2024, IHS and the NSSF held a meeting with the Deputy Governor of Cross River State, Mr. Peter Odey to showcase the project’s impact to Government stakeholders and explored further opportunities to scale up. Overall, this initiative has contributed to improved national immunization coverage, reduced exposure of children 0-5 years old to measles, meningitis and diphtheria, improved access to routine immunization through optimized outreach sessions, and reduced zero dose children thereby reducing under 5 child mortality rates in Nigeria.
Driving Innovation Through Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH)
We partnered with the Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC), FMDQ, and FC4S Lagos for the Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) 2.0 Innovation Fair. The process involved a call for entry, and a hackathon that culminated in the selection of five SMEs who were awarded grants of NGN3.5Mn each. This was followed by a 5-month incubation program which provided the SMEs with technical, commercial, and business advice to enable them to take their innovative ideas from initiation to market entry. The grantees included Schrödinger Technologies, Sparklean Station Nigeria Limited, Junkyard, Green Cycle, and Retreasure.
UNICEF WASH Consultation and Media Dialogue
In 2024, we participated in the UNICEF WASH consultation and media dialogue, carrying over from our dedicated work in 2023. The event was held in Lagos and focused on an overview of the sanitation sector, the clean Nigeria campaign, opportunities for private sector engagement to end open defecation and the potentials of the sanitation economy.
Innovating Accessible Healthcare: Project Clinic Without Walls (PCWOW)
Working towards accessible healthcare for Nigerians, in 2023 we initiated the Project Clinic Without Walls (PCWOW). This initiative has worked towards increasing the coverage of health insurance with specific interventions through the entry point of a mobile community medical clinic. The model involved the rollout of mobile free health clinic program, social mobilisation for the provision of health information, and the creation of a health insurance scheme.
We kicked off the outreach of PCWOW in 2023 in Ijebu Mushin, Ogun State, and the outreach featured a basic medical health check with drug prescriptions. Since then, we partnered with AXA Mansard and amplified our impact by reaching approximately 20,000 people across Ogun, Gombe, Anambra and Jigawa States.
We continued to amplify our medical outreach program and renewed health insurance partnerships for three communities (Akute, Ijebu- Imusin, and Atani) across Ogun and Anambra States. These medical outreaches featured medical health check-ups, drug recommendations, and hospital referrals.
PCWOW initiative remained a flagship Project in 2024 with strengthened partnership with AXA Mansard Insurance. We funded micro-health insurance for 1,196 people across Nigeria and engaged in community outreaches, providing free health checkups and information on the benefits of health insurance.
Every year, there are over 115,000 new cancer patients in Nigeria, at least half of who need radiotherapy. In light of this, IHS Nigeria partnered with the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation on its 7th Annual Childhood Cancer Awareness 6km Walk in 2023. The walk aimed to increase awareness of the disease amongst young patients and provide support for them.
The event attracted over 700 participants, and over 10,000 people who joined online through live streams and media coverage.
The event drew a wide audience, reflecting our commitment to improving cancer awareness and support. Additionally, IHS Nigeria facilitated the treatment of 8 children impacted by cancer at the National Hospital Abuja.
Strengthening Oxygen Supply
We partnered with UNICEF to establish nine oxygen plants across Bauchi, Ogun, Cross-River, Kano, Yobe, Oyo, Kaduna, Ebonyi, and Rivers states to help strengthen oxygen supply in hospitals for the treatment of pneumonia, COVID-19, and other hypoxemia disorders, particularly in newborn babies and pregnant women. In 2023, IHS Nigeria handed over a Pressure Swing Absorption (PSA) Oxygen Plant to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu, Ogun State, and in 2024, we commissioned 7 new oxygen plant facilities in Bauchi, Cross-River, Yobe, Oyo, Kaduna, Ebonyi, and Rivers States.These facilities aim to provide affordable oxygen for patients suffering from conditions such as COVID-19, pneumonia, and bronchitis. This initiative represents another milestone in addressing critical healthcare infrastructure needs across Nigeria. Through this donation we ensured ample and affordable oxygen for patients. Furthermore, 1,445 frontline health workers were trained in hypoxemia management, pneumonia treatment algorithms, and integrated management of childhood illnesses. Overall, 8 oxygen plants produced 128,090.5 volumes of oxygen and 7,203,365 litres of gaseous oxygen per minute in 2024.
Supporting Employee Wellness
At IHS Nigeria, we also care about the health and wellbeing of our own employees. The 2023 Employee Wellness Week, themed “Empowering Wellness and Elevating Sustainability,” highlighted the connection between employee wellness and sustainable living. Initiatives included promotion of sustainable lifestyle tips, potted plant distribution, a “Going Paperless” campaign, and recycling efforts to support eco-conscious behavior and community impact such as conversion of our waste papers into pencils for onward distribution to students in schools.
Revitalizing Access to Clean Water
IHS Nigeria revamped a borehole at Rumuola Community in Rivers State and constructed three solar-powered boreholes in Ogbulu community, Kogi State and four solar-powered boreholes in the pipeline in partnership with UNICEF Nigeria as a response to the Borno Flood crisis in 2024. These projects aim to provide clean and reliable water access to underserved communities. These initiatives are intended to ensure a dependable and clean water supply while significantly enhancing public health and the overall quality of life in these communities. Overall, these boreholes have impacted approximately over 20,000 beneficiaries across Nigeria by providing access to clean water.
Gender inequality in Nigeria is influenced by cultural norms, beliefs, and values. Nigerian women continue to face marginalisation both economically and in terms of educational opportunities.
At IHS Nigeria we firmly believe that promoting gender equality can create a transformative impact on Nigeria’s cultural and economic landscape. That’s why we prioritise initiatives that empower women to actively participate in the country’s cultural and economic life.
One of our notable partnerships strive to improve women’s health through medical outreach, which we launched in 2023.
Improving Women’s Health Through Medical Outreach
40 million women in Nigeria of childbearing age (between 15 and 49 years of age) suffer a disproportionally high level of health issues surrounding birth. While the country represents 2.4% of the world’s population, it currently contributes 10% of global deaths for pregnant mothers. We partnered with Steer For Change Mother and New Born Foundation, a NGO with a vision to ensure that no pregnant woman dies or loses her child because of poverty or illiteracy, to embark on a medical outreach to impact pregnant and nursing mothers. The program featured health education, the distribution of birth kits, baby care products, mosquito nets, medical checkups, prescriptions, and medication. Overall, the six medical outreaches across the six communities in Lagos State impacted 381 women in 2023.
Welfare and baby kits to over
World Humanitarian Day Campaign: Delivering Basic Needs
In observance of World Humanitarian Day (WHD) 2023, we reaffirmed our commitment to supporting vulnerable communities through our outreach project. Partnering with Livewell Initiative, we provided:
This initiative underscored our dedication to improving the lives of those most in need, aligning with the global WHD theme of providing support “#NoMatterWhat”. Following the success of our outreach project in 2023, we celebrated the 2024 World Humanitarian Day by partnering with Steer for Change and conducted two medical outreaches. Occurring in Iwaya and Ejigbo communities in Lagos State, the program provided essential health support, pre- and post-natal counselling, and health checks for 45 pregnant women and 64 nursing mothers. The participants also received maternity and infant essentials packs.
Empowering Women Through Storytelling
To advance women’s empowerment, IHS Nigeria organised a virtual screening of the Earth Women documentary in 2023. The film highlighted the challenges faced by women in extractive communities and showcased their resilience and potential. The screening was held across regional offices in Abuja, Asaba, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Ibadan, Kano, and the Head Office, in Lagos. This initiative sparked important conversations about gender equity and encouraged employees to reflect on the barriers women face in achieving their full potential.
In 2024, we hosted a virtual panel session themed ‘inspire inclusion’ to commemorate the International Women’s Day. IHS Nigeria’s EVP/ CEO, Mohamad Darwish, opened the panel with an inspiring keynote address, setting the context for an enriching discussion on why ‘inclusivity is integral to IHS Nigeria’s growth. With female employees in attendance, the session emphasized the need to combat gender stereotypes and workplace bias.
Fostering a Culture of Sustainability in the Workplace
IHS Nigeria launched the Sustainability Champions Network (a network of likeminded employees with the goal of promoting sustainable ethos) to encourage our colleagues’ who are passionate about integrating, leading sustainability practices and culture, and building a workplace of sustainability enthusiasts. The sustainability team embarked on virtual training sessions for Sustainability Champions, titled “Driving Sustainability Acculturation: Building a Workplace Culture of Sustainability Champions”, “Environmental and Social Risk in the Telecom Industry” and “Introduction to Sustainability Communication and Reporting Training” facilitated by EY. These trainings attracted over 170 sustainability champions cumulatively across the organization.
In 2024, we made a further call for Sustainability Champions, and 225 employees registered. Subsequently, trainings and webinars were conducted for the champions. Some of the sessions included a session focused on “Introduction to Environmental, Social and Governance Principles,” covering the basics and importance of ESG in sustainable business practices, along with practical integration strategies.
Furthermore, the Sustainability Department hosted a business wide year-end webinar titled “Understanding and Reducing Carbon Footprint: Practical Steps for the Organization and Employees,” which was facilitated by PwC. A major highlight of the session focused on the practical strategies for reducing carbon footprints and actionable insights were shared on energy-saving and eco-friendly practices.
Supporting Children Through UNICEF World Children’s Day
In 2023, IHS Nigeria participated in UNICEF’s World Children’s Day celebrations, focusing on advocating for children’s rights and their participation in shaping a better future. The program emphasized collaboration between government, development partners, civil society, and the private sector to promote advocacy, partnerships, and climate education for children. We took part in the event again in 2024, this time themed “Listen to the Future!”, emphasizing the importance of intergenerational dialogue, where children’s voices are heard and their visions for the future are prioritized.
Recognising Men’s Mental Health on International Men’s Day
We marked the International Men’s Day (IMD) in recognition of the issue of men’s mental health. The theme of 2023 was “Zero Male Suicide”. Over a dedicated week, a series of programs such as men’s health and overall well-being, self-care, and men’s finances were held which aimed at celebrating men and creating opportunities to reflect on the positive impact that men have in the workplace, families, and communities. In 2024, we commemorated the 2024 IMD with the launch of our first HeConnect Webinar, themed “Positive Male Role Models” for all employees across the organization and this was followed up with school outreaches across three schools, one in each state, in Lagos, Abuja, and Kano State to empower and mentor young boys and students on positive masculinity, leadership and academic education.
In 2023, IHS Nigeria donated communication equipment including 25 Motorola high performance base stations, 155 walkie talkies and other high performance communication equipment to the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to improve service delivery and act as a deterrent to potential criminals, helping to reduce the risk of illegal activity across our borders. The equipment allows for the NIS to enhance border monitoring and control and strengthen security measures across our borders. Through this initiative we are seeking to help facilitate safe migration.
Furthermore in 2024, in the quest to enhance the operational efficiency and service delivery of the NIS, IHS Nigeria donated 20 passport readers, 20 computers, 20 HD cameras, and 20 thumbprint readers to the NIS Office, Abuja to facilitate the use of individual identity, biometrics and unique physical characteristics.
Another initiative we embarked on to broaden nationwide equalities was addressing the inconsistency in drainage infrastructure across the country. We launched an initiative focused on the construction of culverts and drainage systems across several communities. As such, we successfully completed the construction of 26 drainages and culverts across nine States in Nigeria (Lagos, Ogun, Anambra, Enugu, FCT, Imo, Kaduna, Ebonyi and Delta States) thereby impacting 27,110 lives.
IHS Nigeria continued its culverts and drainage system projects in 2024; addressing access and road issues in the communities where our base stations are situated. We completed a series of drainages and culverts in 60 locations across Nigeria thereby promoting accessibility to sites and communities in 2024.
Aiming to supply reliable power sources to social institutions in communities of less privilege, in 2024, we donated 100KVA Mikano generators to Bakhita Villa in Lagos, improving the facility’s operations and ensuring uninterrupted services whilst simultaneously fostering sustainable practices. A total of 11 generators were donated throughout 2024.
We also donated a number of solar energy assets in 2024. For example, we enhanced public safety and community infrastructure through our donation of 50 units of 200w solar-powered streetlights in underserved and remote areas of Southern and Eastern regions of Nigeria. These streetlights were installed across communities in Nasarawa, Kwara and Cross River and states in Northern Nigeria, thereby providing essential lighting, and fostering a safer environment for residents. In total, 144 solar-powered streetlights have been deployed by IHS Nigeria in 2024 benefiting approximately 23,990 residents by helping improve street security and reduced dependency on the grid. Additionally, we installed a 15KVa solar hybrid inverter at Ekowe Polytechnic in Bayelsa State, providing a reliable power source for the school’s library. This initiative positively impacted students, reducing dependence on non-renewable energy, supporting uninterrupted learning, and underscoring our dedication to sustainable community development.
At IHS Nigeria, we believe we share a collective responsibility to respond during difficult times. As a result, we partnered with UNICEF to provide support in response to the flooding which occurred in the Northeastern part of Nigeria-Borno State, disproportionately affecting those at a socio-economic disadvantage. Over 400,000 individuals were affected by the floods, with significant displacement occurring and many local water sources having been contaminated. We partnered with UNICEF and constructed four solar powered boreholes at the displaced person’s settlements and other temporary displacement sites in Borno State.
Creating Positive Social Impact Through Employee Volunteering
At IHS Nigeria, volunteering is central to our corporate culture. We believe in giving back to the communities we serve – not just through donations, but by dedicating our time and commitment to meaningful causes. Encouraging a culture of volunteerism boosts employee morale and fosters a positive workplace atmosphere.
Celebrating Volunteer Week (April 2023)
To recognize the exceptional contributions of our employees, we designated a week in April as Volunteer Week. This initiative celebrated the dedication of staff who have positively impacted lives and transformed communities across Nigeria.The week provided an opportunity for employees to engage with sustainability-related projects, discover new ways to contribute, and feel empowered to make a difference.
Supporting Disability Inclusion: “Out on a Limb Campaign” by the Human Resource Department
In Nigeria, over 27 million people live with disabilities, many of which are preventable. This alarming statistic, highlighted by the Director-General of the National Centre for Women’s Development, underscores the critical need for action. In 2023, IHS Nigeria employees participated in the 9th annual “Out on a Limb” campaign, an advocacy initiative focused on supporting children without limbs. The campaign aimed to:
In 2024, our corporate volunteering initiatives continued to make a meaningful impact through various projects. IHS Nigeria Sustainability Champions again participated in The IREDE Foundation’s 2024 Out on a Limb (OOAL) Charity Walk in Lagos. The objective was to raise funds for prosthetic limbs for children. So far, our Human Resource Department has funded 11 prosthetic limbs for 10 children, provided educational scholarships for 15 students pursuing degrees, and provided access to health insurance. Additionally, our support has facilitated skills development through mentorship and internship opportunities, helping these young individuals build independent and fulfilling lives.
Empowering Students: Catch Them Young
In 2023, our IT department partnered with Techquest Academy on a volunteering initiative aimed at empowering students to be exam-prepared and nurturing a culture of excellence amongst them. The program impacted 60 senior secondary school students with an exam readiness series accompanied by teachers providing step-by-step explanations for comprehension. Furthermore, in 2024, our IT department also awarded a full-year scholarship to 2 students who were engaged in WAEC and JAMB preparatory classes in 2023. These students have demonstrated exceptional dedication and have successfully gained admission to higher education institutions.
Blood Donation Drive: A Lifesaving Initiative
In 2023, IHS Nigeria’s Finance Department, in conjunction with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) and the Rotary Club of Lagos Island (RCLI), orchestrated a two-day blood donation drive at the Lagos regional office. The initiative received enthusiastic support, resulting in the collection of a total of 239 pints of blood from donors across the business. This collaborative effort exemplifies our steadfast dedication to making a positive impact on the blood supply in the Nigerian blood bank.
Empowering the Vulnerable across Communities.
In 2024, scholarship awards were presented to140 orphans and less privileged children at Al- Ibrab Memorial School and Dambatta Academy in Kano State by our Kano regional employees. To accelerate our commitment toward impacting the less priviledged children, our Internal Audit Department provided scholarships to 31 orphans at the Future Hope Orphanage, Ogijo in Ogun State.
Salami Ibikun
Mrs. B.O. Oladipo, Principal, Alice Ogbara Memorial Junior Secondary School, Sabo Oniba, Ajangbadi
Ms. Oluwatoyosi Muhammed (Beneficiary, Solar Engineering SPVI, IHS Women in Tech and Green Jobs project)
Kabowei Eneyi Atkins,
Ag Registrar, Federal Polytechnic, Ekowe
