Nigeria requires between 1.8 and 2 million units of blood annually but currently meets only about 25 to 30 percent of this demand. The shortage continues to affect emergency medical care, sickle cell treatment, and maternal health, where severe bleeding after childbirth remains one of the leading causes of death.
As a result, the need for blood is constant, and voluntary donation often makes the difference between life and loss. Against this backdrop, the corporate social responsibility (CSR) interventions of Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company Limited (SEEPCO) have enabled Vcare for Development Foundation (VCDF) to sustain annual blood donation drives since 2022, aimed at strengthening the culture of voluntary blood donation in Nigeria.
The initiative is implemented in partnership with the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service (LSBTS) and the Nigerian Red Cross Society Lagos Branch.
Notably, the 2026 edition recorded an impressive milestone, with 550 donors participating on February 6 and 7, 2026 — 35 percent of whom were first-time donors. This achievement reflects steady growth over four years, with participation rising from 98 donors in 2022 to 147 inwarned 268 in 2024, and 341 in 2025.
These accomplishments previously earned VCDF the Blood Donation Champion Award from LSBTS, underscoring the growing impact of the programme and the dedication of SEEPCO volunteers and donors.
The cumulative number of donors now stands at 1,404, representing a growing willingness among Nigerians to overcome myths, misconceptions, and religious concerns that once discouraged participation in blood donation.
Organisers attribute the success to sustained mobilisation campaigns, community engagement activities, awareness drives, and targeted social and behavioural change communication strategies designed to educate prospective donors and address frequently asked questions.
Participants shared personal testimonies highlighting the transformative effect of awareness and education:
“Although I had myths that discouraged me from donating earlier, these have been corrected by awareness, confidence, and voluntary participation.
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Thanks to the intense awareness activities. I am a third-time donor.” — Vivian
“I voluntarily donated because my wife benefitted from blood donation when she lost so much blood during childbirth. I appreciate the practical guidance provided to ensure safe and healthy donation practices.” — Noah
“I felt fulfilled after donating blood because I was encouraged by the right information and guidelines. I appreciate the care I received, which made my experience smooth and memorable as a first-time donor.” — Ismail
Beyond blood donation campaigns, SEEPCO has collaborated with VCDF and healthcare partners across its operational locations for more than four years to deliver impactful medical outreach programmes and free medical camps.
These interventions address common health challenges such as hypertension, malaria, typhoid, respiratory infections, skin diseases, and other ailments, while providing free consultations, medications, and basic laboratory tests to underserved communities across multiple local government areas.
The 2026 Blood Donation Drive demonstrates that sustained partnerships between the private sector, non-profits, and public health institutions can break barriers, inspire action, and save lives. By encouraging voluntary participation, strengthening community engagement, and building a reliable donor pool for hospital emergencies, the initiative contributes significantly to improved public health outcomes and community wellbeing.
SEEPCO reaffirmed its commitment to enabling positive health outcomes through CSR initiatives, while VCDF pledged to continue leveraging the company’s support to promote social action and advance a healthier Nigeria.
