LAWS OF WAR AND MILITARY ENGAGEMENTS: A STUDY OF INTERNAL SECURITY OPERATIONS IN NIGERIA

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of Lafarge Africa Plc’s corporate community relations on local development in Ewekoro, Ogun State, Nigeria. As corporate social responsibility (CSR) becomes increasingly important in industrial communities, the research evaluates how Lafarge’s initiatives align with stakeholder expectations across four key areas: education, health and safety, economic empowerment, and infrastructure. The study used a mixed-methods approach to gather data through structured questionnaires, interviews, and focus group discussions in four host communities—Itori, Papalanto, Oke-Oko-Egbado, and Olapeleke. Participants were selected to reflect diverse stakeholder groups across Lafarge’s CSR pillars. Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS, while qualitative responses were examined thematically. Findings reveal that while Lafarge’s efforts have improved infrastructure and contributed to community stability, significant gaps remain in education, healthcare, empowerment, and inclusive communication. Many residents feel excluded from decision-making, and projects are often perceived as short-term or misaligned with pressing community needs. Anchored in Stakeholder Theory and Social Responsibility Theory, the study underscores the need for transparent, participatory, and context-driven CSR. It contributes to CSR literature in Nigeria’s cement industry and offers practical recommendations for improving inclusion, trust, and development outcomes in corporate-community engagement.