By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives on Wednesday rolled out plans for the development of legislative and strategic policies for the promotion and implementation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) across the country.
The Chairman, House Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility, Hon. Lilian Orogbu who disclosed this in Abuja, during the inaugural meeting of the Standing Committee, underlined the need to streamline CSR reporting mechanisms, ensuring transparency and accountability in all efforts undertaken by Corporate Institutions.
According to the operational agenda developed by the Committee, the lawmakers are expected to engage institutions, agencies and departments of government as well as private sector entities for the enforcement of safety, business conduct of companies and other related matters in Nigeria.
According to the workplan, the overall objective of the Committee hinged on developing strategies for the promotion and implementation of responsible corporate conduct that will enhance the expected effectiveness of corporate social responsibility initiatives across Nigeria.
Hon. Orogbu who highlighted the importance of CSR on the host communities where businesses are carried out across the country, pledged the Committee’s readiness towards building a more inclusive and sustainable society, by fostering positive legislative change and drive societal progress through oversight and laws that suit our current realities.
While noting that Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not a new concept, she averred that the initiative has been an “integral part of many organizations’ host community development strategies for years.
“However, Mr. Speaker, in his wisdom with the hindsight of deficit in compliance and indolent disposition by companies in Nigeria taking cognizance of the continuous multiplier effects on the rural development of the host communities, Mr. Speaker and House leadership created the CSR committee with the mandate, as outlined in the Standing Orders of the House of Representatives 10th Assembly.
“In light of this, the House Committee on CSR aims to promote and encourage a culture of responsible business practices throughout our nation. We believe that every company, regardless of its size or sector, has a role to play in shaping a sustainable future.”
