The Public Complaints Commission said it will commence enforcement of noncompliance with corporate social responsibilities obligations by private companies in Anambra State.

The PCC’s Federal Commissioner in Anambra State, Emelda Nwajiofor-Okoli, made the assertion at a town hall meeting in Awka on Saturday.

The meeting was titled, “Systemic and proactive investigation into compliance to corporate social responsibility by private companies in Anambra State.’’

Mr Nwajiofor-Okoli said the commission received many complaints from residents and communities on environmental degradation, air and noise pollution, administrative injustice and maladministration.

She noted that many of the complaints would have been avoided if the companies complied with their CSR obligations to their host communities.

“Companies should take responsibility for the social, environmental and economic impacts of their operations. In Anambra State, 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 change 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 a sustainable future for all,” she said.

Also speaking, Chief Commissioner, PCC, Abimbola Ayo-Yusuf, said the commission was empowered by law to investigate complaints of maladministration, including those related to CSR.

Mr Ayo-Yusuf, represented by Head of Legal Unit, Gabriel Eze, said the law empowered the commission to hold companies accountable and ensure that their CSR activities aligned with the needs and expectations of the host communities.

In his address, the Director of Investigation at the commission, Charles Ekwunife, urged the state government to establish a CSR unit to promote and monitor CSR compliance as well as 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 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, Igwe Gerald Mbamalu of Ojoto in Idemili South Local Government Area, commended PCC for enlightening them 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 relationships that will benefit both parties.

(NAN)