Business
CSI is key to the sustainability of our business – Stanbic IBTC
Corporate Social Investment is deployed by businesses to help impact their operational environment. YINKA SANNI, Group Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC in this interview examines CSI practice in Nigeria and how Stanbic IBTC deploys its CSI as part of the financial institution’s larger sustainability strategy for socioeconomic integration of the under-served in the society as well as a tool for creating shared values. (Excerpts)
How does Stanbic IBTC position corporate social investment (CSI)?
Most organisations interpret and implement CSI as best suits their overriding corporate goals. However, to borrow a leaf from the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), we at Stanbic IBTC see CSI as a management concept whereby we integrate social and environmental concerns into our business operations and interactions with our stakeholders. CSI is the way through which Stanbic IBTC as a socially responsible company achieves a balance of economic, environmental and social imperatives.
At Stanbic IBTC, we are aligned to Standard Bank Group CSI focus which uses CSI to enhance our brand reputation, grow new markets, increase employee proposition and present us as socially responsible in a way that makes business sense. We share in the Group’s ideology where CSI is key and the watchwords are development, support and community upliftment.
Our CSI pillars in Stanbic IBTC are Education, Health and Economic Empowerment
In your opinion, are corporate organisations in Nigeria doing enough in terms of CSI or do you recommend a paradigm shift in attitude?
I believe that many organisations already see the value in CSI and are doing quite a bit of social investments. Nonetheless, when you examine the peculiarity of our operating environment, where there exist wide gaps between the different socio-economic classes, you’ll understand we could never do too much and that there’s always ample opportunity to do more, especially among the lower cadre of the socio-economic spectrum.
I mean those who sit at the bottom of the pyramid. I would advise that companies make a conscious and concerted effort not just to finance some add-on philanthropic things, but to change their strategies and business models and really develop and incorporate structured CSI approach into their management accounting and control systems. What is prevalent is that businesses have marvelous ambitions related to CSI. The question, however, remains how committed they are to actualizing or sustaining these ambitions and more importantly how they even plan to accomplish these ambitions.
Are your employees usually part of your stakeholder engagements?
Absolutely. At Stanbic IBTC our vision recognizes that our people are our most important asset, which makes it imperative to inspire and engage employees in ongoing CSI efforts to make a meaningful impact. We see our employees as our partners in all our sustainability initiatives. By doing this, not only do we succeed in getting their active involvement, but also benefit from the fact that employees gain a lot of valuable skills and experiences which make them a better asset to our organization.
The sustainability of an idea needs everyone in every title to be aligned to our mission of moving forward. We believe our people and culture will determine our success in executing our strategy, which includes our CSI. Our business philosophy is anchored on and vested in building relationships and trust with our clients/customers, employees, shareholders, regulators, communities and other key stakeholders. Our values underpin our legitimacy and are intended to reinforce the trust our stakeholders have in our organisation. As such, we endeavour to carry along and get the buy in of all our internal and external stakeholders.
In fact, we have a culture of staff involvement and participation in our social investment initiatives which means that our staff are not only part of the activation but the entire process of identifying key areas where we choose to support, collaborate or invest. We try as much as possible to encourage our staff to either as teams or units voluntarily contribute and participate through departmental CSI activities which initiative has been hugely successful over the past year. Through staff CSI volunteerism or contribution alone, we have invested over a N100million towards various charitable causes under the health, education and economic empowerment portfolios year-to-date.
How important is corporate social investment to Stanbic IBTC’s business?
I believe it would be difficult to put a value to the importance of CSI to us as an organisation. Primarily because CSI is key to the sustainability of our business just as the support of all our stakeholders underpins our sustainability. This inter-dependence requires that we conduct our business responsibly to create value in the long-term interests of society. For us at Stanbic IBTC our mission is to continue to contribute to the socioeconomic development of the nation in a way that is consistent with the nature and size of our business operation. This is why we provide end-to-end financial services and products responsibly, bearing in mind the needs of society, our customers, our staff, our shareholders, the environment and future generations.
We do pride ourselves as a socially responsible corporate citizen of our country because CSI is an integral part of our DNA at Stanbic IBTC and Standard Bank Group. Standard Bank has over the years built reputation for continental support of arts and culture as well as sports development.
Our commitment to investing in corporate social projects and initiatives is something we take just as seriously as adhering to the highest corporate governance principles and operating in line with global best practice. At Stanbic IBTC, CSI isn’t a publicity platform. We see CSI as a duty. Like I mentioned earlier, our CSI falls under three prongs of health, education, and economic empowerment.
How do you select the initiatives and projects you undertake for your CSI and what model or models do you use for implementation?
Generally, our CSI initiatives must fall under any of the three pillars of health, education and economic empowerment. The model we’ve used and that has worked for us overtime is investing in projects we believe have the greatest impact, widest reach, and highest sustainability ratio and ensuring implementation with reputable, competent and reliable partners. We, however, have carried out several other projects like vaccination against hypophosphatasia (HPP), education materials donation, public school facility renovations, safety equipment donations, like safety helmets, water projects, as well as staff volunteerism initiatives I talked about earlier which we undertake directly. Just to mention that we recently donated relief materials worth millions of naira to alleviate the living conditions of our brothers and sister in Benue State and its environs who were devastated and displaced as a result of the flooding in that region.
Tell us about the project you refer to as your flagship CSI initiative “Together For A Limb”and why you organise the annual walk?
Thank you very much for that question. Having over a long period of time channelled our CSI on projects under both education and economic empowerment pillars of our CSI aegis, we decided it was time to revisit our intervention and shift focus back to the health sector, which explains why we decided on sponsoring and fitting children with limb loss with prosthesis. Which is why in the last two to three years Stanbic IBTC has consistently sponsored the donation of prostheses to some children living with limb difference, otherwise referred to as amputees.
We understand how challenging it must be for the parents and guardians of these children, especially considering the high cost of acquiring these prostheses and of course the value it would bring to the daily lives of these children. In addition to fitting the children with prostheses, Stanbic IBTC is also giving out Education Trust to the beneficiary children courtesy of our Trusteeship subsidiary.
We did not stop at that. To help raise public awareness for amputees, victims of terror attacks and other children who have limb differences or have lost limbs due to trauma, mismanaged injuries, accidents and, occasionally due to congenital issues, and create shared values in the community, Stanbic IBTC on Saturday, 14 November 2015, organised a Walk tagged ‘Out For A Limb’ in Lagos, chaired by the First Lady of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode. This was the very first edition and the walk featured management and staff, esteemed customers and friends of Stanbic IBTC and other well-meaning Nigerians. Our sincere gratitude go out to all our stakeholders who came out en-masse to join us in walking for a good cause. We are also forever grateful to Her Excellency, wife of the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Ambode, for her motherly love, support and guidance in identifying with our quest to raise awareness for amputees and help bring succour to underserved children who live with limb differences from the very start of the project.
Owing to just how committed Stanbic IBTC is to CSI, and most of all, this particular initiative which coincidentally is our adopted signature CSI project. The second edition, which held on Saturday, 24 September 2016 in Abuja, and which had now been rechristened ‘Together 4 A Limb’ which was more impactful.
Essentially because we decided to expand the scope of beneficiaries to include underserved children victims of the Boko Haram insurgency which has plagued the northern region of the country as some of the primary beneficiaries of the programme.
A 3-kilometre charity walk aimed at raising awareness and awakening public consciousness of children without limbs was flagged off by the Guest of Honour the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, who was ably represented by the wife of the Zamfara State Governor, Hajiya Asmau Yari.
As is our practice and as part of the package, education trust fund worth millions of naira was awarded to each of the eight beneficiary children whom we had successfully fitted with artificial limbs. Six of the eight children beneficiaries were actually present at the charity walk and were presented cheques by Hajiya Yari while two others were presented at a separate ceremony. Five children had benefitted from the initiative in 2015 and received education trust fund and prostheses, which brought to 13 the number of children beneficiaries so far. In growing these numbers this year, preparations are in top gear to host the third edition of the initiative. We are currently, fitting and carrying out rehabilitation, as we are already preparing another set of six children who will join the growing list of beneficiaries of the initiative. These six children will be officially unveiled during the walk and presented with cheques in the form of education trust fund to guarantee their educational growth and development.
Deadline of Compliance: Nigeria’s Urgent Call for Tax Return Filing
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“Shift or Structural Demand? A Declaration of Civic Duty in a Nation at a Fiscal Crossroads.”
In the unfolding narrative of national development and economic reform, few instruments are as defining as tax compliance. For Nigeria, a nation perpetually grappling with revenue shortfalls, structural dependency on a single export commodity, and entrenched informal economic behaviour, the Federal Government’s recent clarification on tax return deadlines is not mere bureaucratic noise. It is a deliberate and inescapable declaration: the social contract between citizen and state must be honoured through transparent, lawful and timely tax reporting.
At its core, the government’s pronouncement is stark in its simplicity and radical in its implications. Federal authorities, speaking through the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, have made it unequivocally clear that every Nigerian, whether employer or individual taxpayer, must file annual tax returns under the law. This encompasses self-assessment filings by individuals that too many assumed ended once employers deducted pay-as-you-earn taxes from their salaries.
This is not an optional civic suggestion, it is mandatory, backed by statute, and tied to a broader vision of national fiscal responsibility. Citizens can no longer hide behind ignorance, apathy, or false assumptions. “Many people assume that if their employer deducts tax from their salaries, their obligations end there. That is wrong,” Oyedele warned, emphasizing that the obligation to file remains with the individual under both existing and newly reformed tax laws.
The Deadlines and the Reality They Reveal.
Across the federation, state and federal revenue authorities have reaffirmed statutory deadlines in pursuit of compliance. The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, for instance, moved to extend its filing date for employer returns by a narrow window, reflecting the reality that compliance often lags behind legal timelines. The extension was intended not as leniency, but as a pragmatic effort to allow accurate and complete submissions, underscoring that true compliance rises above mere mechanical ticking of a box.
At the federal level, Oyedele’s intervention was even more fundamental. He reminded Nigerians that annual tax returns for the preceding year must be filed in good faith, with integrity and in respect of the law. This applies regardless of income level including low-income earners who have historically believed that they are outside the tax net. “All of us must file our returns, including those earning low income,” he stated.
Herein lies one of the most challenging truths of contemporary Nigerian governance: widespread tax non-compliance is not just a technical breach of law, it is a deep cultural and structural issue that reflects decades of mistrust between citizens and the state.
The Root of the Problem: Non-Compliance as a Symptom.
Nigeria’s tax culture has long been under scrutiny. Public discourse and economic analysis consistently show that a significant majority of eligible taxpayers do not file annual returns. Oyedele highlighted that even in states widely regarded as tax administration leaders, compliance remains strikingly low, often below five percent.
This widespread non-compliance stems from multiple sources:
A long history of weak tax administration systems, where enforcement was inconsistent and penalties were rarely applied.
A perception that public services do not reflect the taxes collected, eroding the citizenry’s belief in reciprocity.
An informal economy where income often goes unrecorded, making filing seem irrelevant or impossible to many.
Lack of awareness, with many Nigerians genuinely believing that tax liability ends with employer deductions.
The government’s renewed push for compliance directly challenges these perceptions. It signals a shift from voluntary or lax compliance to structured accountability, a stance that aligns with best practices in modern public finance.
Why This Matters: Beyond Deadlines.
At its most profound level, the insistence on tax return filings is about nation-building and shared responsibility.
Scholars of public finance universally agree that a robust tax system is the backbone of sustainable development. As the eminent economist Dr. Joseph E. Stiglitz has observed, “A society that cannot mobilize its own resources through fair taxation undermines both its government’s legitimacy and its capacity to provide for its people.” Filing tax returns is not a mere administrative task, it is a declaration of participation in the collective project of national advancement.
In Nigeria’s context, this declaration carries weight. With the enactment of comprehensive tax reforms in recent years (including unified frameworks for tax administration and enforcement) authorities now possess broader statutory tools to ensure compliance and accountability. These measures, which include electronic filing platforms and stronger enforcement powers, have been framed as fair and equitable, targeting efficiency rather than arbitrariness.
Yet the success of these reforms depends heavily on citizens embracing their civic duties with sincerity. And this depends on mutual trust, the belief that paying taxes yields tangible benefits in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and social services.
Voices From Experts: Fiscal Responsibility as a Public Ethic.
Tax law experts and economists, reflecting on the compliance push, have underscored a universal theme: taxation without transparency is inequity, but taxation with accountability is empowerment. When managed with fairness, a functional tax system can reduce dependency on volatile revenue sources, stabilise national budgets, and support long-term investment in human capital.
Professor Aisha Bello, a respected authority in fiscal policy, notes that “Tax compliance is not a burden; it is the foundation upon which social contracts are built. A citizen who honours tax obligations affirms the legitimacy of governance and demands better performance in return.”
Similarly, a leading tax scholar, Dr. Emeka Okon, argues that “The era when Nigerians could evade broader tax responsibilities simply because automatic deductions occur at source must end. For a modern economy, every eligible citizen must be part of the formal tax fold not as victims, but as stakeholders.”
These authoritative voices point to an unassailable truth: filing tax returns is both a legal requirement and a moral responsibility, an expression of citizenship in its fullest sense.
Challenges on the Ground: Compliance and Capacity.
While the rhetoric of compliance is compelling, the reality on the ground demands nuanced understanding. Many taxpayers (especially in the informal sector) lack meaningful access to digital platforms and resources for filing returns. For others, the fear of bureaucratic complexity and perceived punitive enforcement deters participation.
The government, for its part, has responded by promoting online systems and pledging greater taxpayer support. Tax authorities are increasingly engaging stakeholders to demystify filing processes, explain requirements and offer assistance. This mix of enforcement and facilitation is essential. As one seasoned revenue specialist observed: “The state cannot compel compliance through force alone; it must earn it through education, simplicity and fairness.”
The Broader Implication: A New Social Compact.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s renewed emphasis on tax return filing transcends administrative deadlines. It is an unequivocal declaration that national development is a shared responsibility, that citizens and state must engage in a transparent, accountable, and reciprocal relationship.
Tax compliance, therefore, becomes far more than a legal act; it becomes a moral claim on the nation’s future.
When citizens file their returns honestly, they affirm their stake in the nation’s destiny. When the government collects taxes transparently and deploys them effectively, it strengthens not only public services but civic trust itself.
In this sense, the deadlines proclaimed by Nigeria’s fiscal authorities mark not an end but a beginning; the beginning of a civic epoch in which accountability replaces apathy, participation replaces indifference and national purpose triumphs over fragmentation.
The road ahead will not be easy. But in demanding compliance, Nigeria is demanding more than tax returns. It is demanding commitment and that, ultimately, is the foundation on which nations are built.
BUA Foods Records 91% Surge in Profit After Tax, Hits ₦508bn in 2025
By femi Oyewale
Business
Adron Homes Unveils “Love for Love” Valentine Promo with Exciting Discounts, Luxury Gifts, and Travel Rewards
Adron Homes Unveils “Love for Love” Valentine Promo with Exciting Discounts, Luxury Gifts, and Travel Rewards
In celebration of the season of love, Adron Homes and Properties has announced the launch of its special Valentine campaign, “Love for Love” Promo, a customer-centric initiative designed to reward Nigerians who choose to express love through smart, lasting real estate investments.
The Love for Love Promo offers clients attractive discounts, flexible payment options, and an array of exclusive gift items, reinforcing Adron Homes’ commitment to making property ownership both rewarding and accessible. The campaign runs throughout the Valentine season and applies to the company’s wide portfolio of estates and housing projects strategically located across Nigeria.
Speaking on the promo, the company’s Managing Director, Mrs Adenike Ajobo, stated that the initiative is aimed at encouraging individuals and families to move beyond conventional Valentine gifts by investing in assets that secure their future. According to the company, love is best demonstrated through stability, legacy, and long-term value—principles that real estate ownership represents.
Under the promo structure, clients who make a payment of ₦100,000 receive cake, chocolates, and a bottle of wine, while those who pay ₦200,000 are rewarded with a Love Hamper. Payments of ₦500,000 attract a Love Hamper plus cake, and clients who pay ₦1,000,000 enjoy a choice of a Samsung phone or a Love Hamper with cake.
The rewards become increasingly premium as commitment grows. Clients who pay ₦5,000,000 receive either an iPad or an all-expenses-paid romantic getaway for a couple at one of Nigeria’s finest hotels, which includes two nights’ accommodation, special treats, and a Love Hamper. A payment of ₦10,000,000 comes with a choice of a Samsung Z Fold 7, three nights at a top-tier resort in Nigeria, or a full solar power installation.
For high-value investors, the Love for Love Promo delivers exceptional lifestyle experiences. Clients who pay ₦30,000,000 on land are rewarded with a three-night couple’s trip to Doha, Qatar, or South Africa, while purchasers of any Adron Homes house valued at ₦50,000,000 receive a double-door refrigerator.
The promo covers Adron Homes’ estates located in Lagos, Shimawa, Sagamu, Atan–Ota, Papalanto, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osun, Ekiti, Abuja, Nasarawa, and Niger States, offering clients the opportunity to invest in fast-growing, strategically positioned communities nationwide.
Adron Homes reiterated that beyond the incentives, the campaign underscores the company’s strong reputation for secure land titles, affordable pricing, strategic locations, and a proven legacy in real estate development.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Adron Homes encourages Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to take advantage of the Love for Love Promo to enjoy exceptional value, exclusive rewards, and the opportunity to build a future rooted in love, security, and prosperity.
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