CSR-in-Action Marks 14 Years of Driving Sustainability , Empowering Communities in Nigeria

In a milestone marking over a decade of pioneering work in sustainability, CSR-in-Action Group has celebrated 14 years of driving transformative change and championing eco-friendly practices in Nigeria asince its inception in 2010.

The organisation, founded to address the fragmented and sporadic approach to corporate sustainability in Nigeria, has pioneered structured practices that integrate sustainability into the heart of public and private sector strategies. Over the years, it has redefined corporate responsibility, catalysing a cultural shift toward sustainability as a fundamental pillar of socio-economic development.

Founded by Bekeme Masade-Olowola, CSR-in-Action emerged from a vision to foster intentional change. Reflecting on the organisation’s journey, Masade-Olowola remarked, “When we started, we were not just building an organisation; we were building a new way of thinking. Our mission was to create a future where sustainability is not just a choice but a necessity. It was a bold goal, but I knew Nigeria was ready for change.” Under her leadership, CSR-in-Action has navigated Nigeria’s socio-economic complexities with resilience, setting benchmarks for sustainability across the continent.

CSR-in-Action’s impact spans advocacy, consultancy, and capacity-building. Its Advocacy Arm drives public discourse and influences policies, while its Consulting Arm helps organisations align with global standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). Additionally, the College of Sustainable Citizenship (CSC) empowers individuals and organisations to embed sustainability into their practices. Together, these divisions have made a tangible difference, with consulting services benefiting top Fortune 500 companies, SMEs, and public sector bodies. Through initiatives like the Civil Society Organisation Professionalism and Effectiveness Therapy (C-PET), in partnership with Access Bank, the organisation has trained over 1,000 professionals and strengthened 1,350 civil society organisations.

One of CSR-in-Action’s landmark achievements is the Sustainability in the Extractive Industries (SITEI) Conference, which has been a catalyst for innovation and reform in Nigeria’s resource-dependent economy since 2012. The conference birthed the Community Engagement Standards, a framework endorsed by the Ministry of Petroleum Resources to foster equitable relationships between companies and host communities. Other milestones include the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) Implementation Research Report, supported by the Ford Foundation, which highlighted the act’s impact on host communities, particularly women. The “Earth Women” documentary has also amplified the voices of women affected by extractive industries, earning accolades such as the Best Documentary Short-Spotlight on Women at the Royal Cocoa International Film Festival.

Through its Corporate Sustainable Investor Report (CSIR), CSR-in-Action has raised the bar for Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices in Nigeria. Its leadership as Africa’s only globally certified GRI Standards Trainer and its assurance services under the AA1000AS framework underscore its dedication to transparency and accountability. The organisation has also received numerous accolades, including recognition as the Best-Performing NGO in Mining and Geosciences by the Nigerian Institute of Mining and Geosciences.

Prominent voices have lauded CSR-in-Action’s professionalism and impact. Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Founder and Chairman of the Africa Initiative for Governance, stated, “The quality of work from CSR-in-Action is unparalleled. Their dedication, responsiveness, and attention to detail make them a trusted partner. They are not just fulfilling their mandate but raising the bar for what organisations in Nigeria can achieve.”

Beyond corporate impact, CSR-in-Action has championed social justice through initiatives like the CAHR Africa Awards, launched in 2019 to honour human rights advocates and social justice champions. These awards celebrate individuals and organisations uplifting communities, amplifying marginalised voices, and driving inclusive development across Africa.

As CSR-in-Action embarks on its next phase, it is expanding its operations to Canada to broaden its global influence. Bekeme Masade-Olowola articulated this vision,saying “Africa is on the brink of a renaissance, and organisations like CSR-in-Action are at the heart of this transformation. Our work in Nigeria has shown what is possible, but we know there is so much more to do. As we expand our reach, we will continue to empower communities, influence industries, and inspire hope for a better, more equitable world.”

After 14 years, CSR-in-Action remains a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and leadership. Its legacy demonstrates that sustainability is not merely an objective but a way of life, creating a future where businesses, communities, and the environment thrive in harmony