Investigation of CSR Projects of Oil Companies Not A Witch Hunt— Orogbu

The Chairman of the House of Representative’s’ Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility, (CSR) Hon. Professor Obiageli Lilian Orogbu has stressed that the current investigation of the corporate social responsibility, (CSR) projects of multinational oil companies in their host communities was not a witch-hunt.

She however warned that the tripartite committees investigating the contributions of the oil companies to the well-being of the inhabitants of their host communities would not hesitate to invoke section 89(d) of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 199 (as amended) to compel recalcitrant organizations to appear before the committee.

“The joint committee reiterates that the investigation is on a fact-finding mission aimed at establishing how efficient the companies are integrating CSR principles into their operations for the benefits of their host communities “ Professor Orogbu noted .

The investigative hearing she further stated was to determine the balance between resources extraction and environmental sustainability, adding that the findings would be instrumental to the shaping of future policies and fostering a more sustainable business environment in south-south Region.

The Chairman consequently urged the affected companies to be transparent and show commitment in the process so as to achieve a win-win situation where businesses would thrive and communities get empowered.

All the oil companies that attended provided lists and pictorial evidences of projects executed under their corporate social responsibility in the last five years preceding Petroleum Industry Act, (PIA)

The committee, according to Professor Orogbu would in no distant time send members to physically visit and oversight the projects before turning its report to House.