Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on the Sustainability of the Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria

This study investigated the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on the sustainability of Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, focusing on three core dimensions: environmental protection initiatives, community development programmes, and economic empowerment practices. Using a survey research design, primary data were collected through a structured Likert-scale questionnaire administered to 196 respondents drawn from various stakeholder groups. The sample was selected using random sampling from a population of 385, and the data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, employing descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and multiple regression analysis. The results revealed that all three CSR components—environmental protection, community development, and economic empowerment—have statistically significant and positive relationships with sustainability outcomes in the oil and gas sector. Specifically, economic empowerment and community development showed stronger predictive power in explaining variations in sustainability performance. The correlation matrix further confirmed the positive interrelations among all variables, while the regression model accounted for over 76% of the variance in the sustainability construct. These findings align with stakeholder theory, emphasizing that effective engagement in CSR enhances corporate legitimacy, strengthens community relations, and fosters long-term environmental and economic sustainability. The study concludes that CSR is not only a tool for ethical compliance but also a strategic asset for sustainability in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. It recommends that firms should invest more in inclusive community development, environmental remediation, and economic empowerment to build trust and ensure long-term survival in a socially and environmentally sensitive industry. These findings offer valuable insights for policymakers, industry leaders, and CSR practitioners aiming to enhance sustainable development in resource-dependent economies.