The House of Representatives Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has called for stronger stakeholders collaboration to address digital exclusion among youths in the country.
The Deputy Chairman of the committee, Rep. Afolabi Afuape (APC-Ogun) made the call at a roundtable to unveil #CSR4DEV Initiative in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said that in spite of having one of the fastest growing youth populations in the world, millions of Nigerian youths remained excluded from the digital economy.
According to the lawmaker, the youth still have limited access to the skills, technologies, and opportunities that define the modern world.
He said that there was need for synergy among government, private sector, the diplomatic community, and civil society to reverse the tide.
The lawmaker said that CSR should be reimagined as a strategic tool for national development, not charity.
He said that #CSR4DEV Initiative aimed at promoting digital literacy, Artificial Intelligence skills, financial inclusion, institutional strengthening, and creation of a Nigerian CSR Fund to pool resources for sustainable development.
“The 21st century has shown us that no nation, no sector, and indeed no community can thrive in isolation.
“Today’s challenges, whether in digital exclusion, poverty eradication, climate change, or social integration demand solutions that are bold, collaborative, and forward-looking.
“This is why we are gathered here: to reimagine CSR not as charity, but as a strategic tool for national development and international partnership. CSR, in its best form, is not a photo opportunity,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman, Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa commended the initiative.
Represented by Mr Abdulrahman Terab, Director, Technology Transfer, Innovation and Investment, Dabiri-Erewa highlighted the crucial role played be Nigerians in diaspora in development through remittances, investments, philanthropy, and knowledge transfer.
She said that the Nigerian diaspora had proven to be a formidable force in contributing not only to the economies of their host countries but also to the growth and transformation of their own.
“From remittances that sustain families and fuel entrepreneurship, to investments that create jobs and drive innovation, the diaspora is a cornerstone of our national progress.
“Nigeria receives billions of dollars annually in remittances, a testament to the enduring commitment of our citizens abroad.
“But beyond financial contributions, the diaspora offers something even more powerful: knowledge, networks, and a deep-rooted desire to give back,” she said.
Dabiri-Erewa said that through initiatives like the BRIDGE Programme, Nigeria was harnessing the expertise of Nigerian professionals abroad to strengthen its education sector.
“To fully unlock this potential, we must do more. We must empower the NIDCOM to expand its engagement platforms.
”We must create targeted incentives for investment and entrepreneurship, and build robust regulatory frameworks that instill confidence,” she said.
Rep. Kwamoti Lao’ri (PDP-Adamawa) backed the creation of the Nigeria CSR Fund initiative.
He, however, said that transparency, accountability, and inclusivity were crucial to achieving desired goals.
The lawmaker said the fund could mobilise resources to tackle poverty, inequality, and environmental challenges across the country.
