telecommunication industry, especially GSM operators, only engage in
promotional offers which cannot be rated as CSR activities.
5.2.9 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), heretofore regarded as a matter of
corporate conscience, addressed by the new code of corporate governance.
The new National tax Policy, has introduced a fair regime for deductible
donations under the tax laws to enhance the ability of companies to engage in
Corporate Social Responsibility.
5.2.10 Through dialogue and education on social awareness, relevant agencies of
the Federal Government and some concerned State Governments, have
achieved community awareness in holding business corporations responsible
for their actions. Shareholders and investors through their Associations and
through socially responsible investing are also exerting pressure on
corporations to behave responsibly. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
Community Based Organizations (CBOs) Human Rights Organizations (HROs)
Private Sector Organizations (PSOs) and organized youth associations are
playing increasing roles to cause several companies to redefine their
collaborations with stakeholders.
Multinational Oil and Gas companies in the Niger Delta have of recent started
taking CSR seriously, because of the wave of violence and the demands of the
restive youths that characterized the later part of 2008.
5.2.11 Similarly, companies operating in the Niger Delta region have started to
extend their scope of CSR into skills acquisition programmes aimed at youth
empowerment; provision of essential services and education and scholarship
programmes. Though adoption and reporting of CSR policies is in early stages
in Nigeria, the major problem seems to be with measurement of
performance. Government has taken cognizance of this in view of the
relevance of CSR to the country’s development.
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