Irede Foundation Launches 3D Printed Prosthetic Limbs In Partnership With NNPC/SNEPCo

Oluchi Chibuzor

The IREDE Foundation (TIF) in partnership with the Nigerian Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) and the Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company (SNEPCo) has announced the launch of a first-of-its-kind 3D printed prosthetic limb production in Nigeria.

The launch of these 3D printed prosthetic limbs marks a significant milestone in The Irede Foundation’s ongoing commitment to improving access to prosthetic care for children with limb loss. At its core, the project reflects The IREDE Foundation’s continuous mission to restore mobility, confidence, and dignity to children living with limb loss.

Speaking at the launch of the partnership, founder and executive director of The Irede Foundation, Crystal Chigbu, described the initiative as redefining history with regards to how prosthetic limbs are made in Nigeria.

According to her, “What we are witnessing today is a result of a conversation that started three years ago. We are redefining history with regards to how prosthetic limbs are made in Nigeria. Fourteen years ago, when we started, our focus was just ensuring that we did give limbs to the children, without much care about how these limbs were formulated and made. We simply wanted to make sure that they walked. At that time, walking was the goal, and access was the win and in the past 14 years, we have given prosthetic limbs to over 600 children.

“But as we continued on this journey, we realised that there are better ways to make prosthetic limbs for children. We realised that it was possible for the process to be faster, that it was possible to be more thoughtful, and that it was also possible for us to leverage technology in the work that we do. We began to understand that how we do the work matters just as much as the work itself. This led us to making 3D-printed prosthetic limbs and now with this printer, we have the capacity to produce much more limbs than we did averagely.

“One of the most immediate benefits of the new 3D printed prosthetic limbs is speed. Traditionally, children often wait months before receiving a prosthetic limb, largely due to manual processes and long production timelines. With this new system, the time it takes to produce prosthetic limb sockets is significantly reduced, allowing the Foundation to attend to children faster and shorten waiting lists. This means children can regain mobility sooner and return to their daily lives without prolonged delays.”

The initiative was delivered with the support of NNPC/SNEPCo who over the course of their partnership, which began in 2017, have collaborated with the organisation through various projects such as the Back‑2‑School Project, the yearly Out On A Limb awareness campaign, direct prosthetic limb provision, and the establishment of a therapy laboratory.

Presenting his remark, the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company, Ronald Adams, noted the significance of the collaboration.

Adams, represented by the head of sponsorship and social investment, Mrs. Bolanle Odunayo-Ojo for giving hope and inspiring faith.

According to him, “At NNPC/SNEPCo, we share this same mission of hope and transformation with you. You remind us that inclusion is not just about changing circumstances, it is about changing perspectives. It is about altering our view so we can respond differently. That is the essence of true inclusion: creating a world where everyone belongs and has the chance to flourish.

“For the children and families supported by the Foundation, the launch is expected to translate into shorter waiting periods, improved access to care, and the opportunity for more children to regain mobility and independence sooner. For the children and families supported by the Foundation, the launch is expected to translate into shorter waiting periods, improved access to care, and the opportunity for more children to regain mobility and independence sooner.”

The event brought together child amputees, their parents, representatives from NNPC/SNEPCo, in persons of Seyi Omotowa, the chief upstream investment officer represented by Dg Mgr stakeholder relations, Mrs. Bunmi Lawson; Adams Ronald, the managing director, SNEPCo, represented by Mrs. Bolanle Odunayo-Ojo, the head of sponsorship and social investment; Mrs. Elohor Abu, Mrs. Loretta Ehebha, & Mr. Fola Oyalade, alongside The Irede Foundation team.