By Comfort Olayinka
The Chairman House Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Hon. Lilian Oby Orogbu has expressed disappointment with the National Communications Commission (NCC), MTN, and Airtel, citing their repeated failure to respond to the committee’s invitations. As a result, the committee has deemed it essential to exercise its legal authority and issue arrest warrants to compel their appearance and cooperation.
Hon. Lillian Oby Orogbu reiterated the importance of corporate social responsibility regulation in Nigeria, as the committee conducted a public hearing in the National Assembly Abuja on the proposed bill and related matters.
Representing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Wondi Ndanusa expressed the bank’s support for the bill, but raised concerns about the proposed imprisonment penalty for non-compliant companies, suggesting a more persuasive approach would be more effective.
He also highlighted the significant financial burdens already faced by many companies. Additionally, he proposed that the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) regulation should be housed within the Corporate Affairs Commission, presumably to streamline oversight and enforcement.
“If MTN is present and despite my efforts to engage them amicably about appearing before Parliament, they have declined. If you feel accountable, then it’s imperative that you attend. Accountability and responsibility are crucial, given their nationwide operations and disregard for our invitation.”
“Section 89, Clause 8 of the Constitution mandates that individual companies appear before Parliament when invited. However, companies like MTN and Airtel are flouting this law, displaying arrogance in their reluctance to participate. We cannot allow such disregard. They benefit greatly from our nation and must respect our institutions.”
“We expect the Committee to uphold social responsibility. Please inform us of your current initiatives in this regard. Our intention is not to target any specific company. As a public affairs representative of NCC, kindly contact these telecom companies and urge them to make themselves available. Disregarding Parliament does not reflect responsible behavior.”
“Other companies appear, provide their accounts, and even undergo oversight. However, NCC is one company that has caused problems by insisting they are in court. This is not acceptable.”
“Public hearing is integral to our legislative process, fostering citizen engagement in lawmaking, particularly when proposed legislation directly affects the public. Your valuable insights and contributions are crucial to shaping the outcome of this meeting.”
