Effective Management of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for Desired Outcome: The Niger Delta Issue in Nigeria

Abstract

The paper evaluates the potential of corporate social responsibility (CRS) in addressing insurgents in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. Effective CSR is relative and depends on the peculiarity of the area in order for corporations to achieve desired results. The paper adopts a theoretical interdisciplinary methodology based on a review of literature and deductive arguments on CSR and sustainability. The paper identifies lack of effective planning and implementation of CSR by multinational oil companies as one of the contributory factors to the crisis in the region. It also notes that the issues of oil pipeline destruction, kidnapping of oil workers and oil-related contestations, inter and intra communal conflicts, crude oil theft and general insecurity have not been successfully addressed. The paper therefore recommends that sustainable development through the provision of needed basic infrastructure, sustainable livelihood initiatives and community participation strategies be put in place as solutions to the crisis. The study contributes an innovative way of CSR implementation that is based on collaborative participation rather than company policy and need assessment of CSR projects.