USR PUBLISHER

This study examines co corporate responsibility as a corporate governance mechanism influencing economic development outcomes in emerging economies, with evidence from host communities of the Abia State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (ASOPADEC), Nigeria. Consequently, ASOPADEC has undertaken various CSR interventions aimed at improving the welfare and living standards of people within its host communities. The study was guided by relevant three hypotheses derived from the objectives of the study. Data were obtained from both primary sources, including questionnaires and interviews, and secondary sources. The population of the study comprised 1,188 respondents, while a sample size of 724 was determined using Taro Yamane’s formula. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques such as frequency tables, percentages, and mean scores, while the Coefficient of Variation (C.V.) was employed to assess the consistency of responses. The study found out among others that establishment of ASOPADEC-funded health centres decreased average travel distance to basic healthcare and increased utilization of antenatal, immunization, and outpatient services by host community members.  Also, the study recommends among others that the Commission should enter formal service-level agreements with the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency to guarantee staffing, supervision, and referral systems for CSR health facilities. The study concludes that ASOPADEC’s CSR initiatives have made a positive contribution to poverty alleviation in its host communities and demonstrate the potential of well-implemented CSR programmes to foster inclusive growth, social cohesion, and sustainable community development.