An industrialist and Chief Executive Officer of BFIG Nigeria Limited, Lagos, Dr. Reuben Mietamuno Jaja, has called on the multinational companies operating in the country to live up to their social responsibilities by promoting peace and development in their host communities.
Dr. Jaja gave the admonition while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt.
Jaja pointed out that the multinational companies owe it as a responsibility to play active role in the promotion of security in the country.
He frowned at what he considered as “difference and non-compliance behaviour of most of the oil firms towards the development of their host communities”.
According to him, “Apart from their business concerns, the companies should gear towards improving on their community relations policies and implement the various agreements reached with their host communities”.
He also called on the multinationals to ensure that youths’ empowerment was given priority attention to avert incessant conflicts that arise between them and the communities as a result of breach of corporate agreements.
The business mogul, who emphasized the need for peace and security in the country, also stressed that issues of security should not be left in the hands of government alone but should be thoroughly addressed through concerted efforts of the stakeholders.
His assertions: “it is regrettable that issues of security are mostly left in the hands of government alone, this is sadly wrong. Nigeria is a nation that plays host to myriads of multinational companies, who prospect for the economic fortune in the country. These companies must show concern in the security of the nation”
This is a major part of their corporate duties as they cannot operate when there is insecurity in the country”
Dr. Jaja further cautioned politicians against heating up the polity in Nigeria, noting that such extremist approach to politics had given bad publicity to Nigeria in the global context.