Awka – Private companies in Anambra State have been asked to promote mutual relationship by paying priority attention to their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations to their host communities.
Mrs Emelda Nwajiofor-Okoli, the Federal Commissioner in charge of Public Complaints Commission (PCC) in Anambra, made the call at a Town-hall meeting in Awka on Saturday, with the theme – ‘Systemic and Proactive Investigation into Compliance to Corporate Social Responsibility by Private Companies in Anambra State’.
Nwajiofor-Okoli said the commission received many complaints from residents and communities on environmental degradation, air and noise pollution, administrative injustice and maladministration.
She said that many of the complaints would have been avoided if the companies complied with their CSR obligations to their host communities.
According to her, the commission will soon commence enforcement of CSR obligations by private companies in Anambra state.
“Companies should take responsibility for the social, environmental and economic impacts of their operations. In Anambra, we have seen the positive effects of CSR initiative in areas of education, healthcare and environmental sustainability.
“However, we also recognise the need for more rigorous monitoring and enforcement to ensure that these initiatives are not just promises, but actions that bring about real changes in host communities.
“Our role at the PCC is to oversee and ensure compliance with CSR obligations to enhance CSR practices in Anambra.
“Together, we can create an environment where businesses and communities thrive together, thereby fostering sustainable future for all,” she said.
Also speaking, Mr Abimbola Ayo-Yusuf, Chief Commissioner, PCC, said the commission was empowered by law to investigate complaints of maladministration, including those related to CSR.
Ayo-Yusuf, represented by Head of PCC’s Legal unit, Mr Gabriel Eze, said the law empowered the commission to hold companies accountable and ensure that their CSR activities align with the needs and expectations of the host communities.
In his address, Mr Charles Ekwunife, the director of investigation at the commission, described Anambra as a business hub, urging the state government to establish a CSR unit to promote and monitor CSR compliance and drive community development.
He said the public should be aware that companies located within their communities had an obligation to give back to them.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr Felix Odimegwu, described CSR as a form of public-private partnership to support government in the areas infrastructure and community development as well as job creation.
In his remarks, a traditional ruler in Ojoto, Idemili South, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu, commended PCC for enlightening the locals on the need for CSR compliance by companies located in their communities.
According to him, with such awareness, community leaders can hold the companies accountable to foster good relationship that will benefit both parties.
