IMPACT OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (CSR) ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED MANUFACTURING COMPANIES IN NIGERIA

This study examines the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on the financial performance of listed manufacturing companies in Nigeria. The research aimed to determine whether CSR activities significantly affect key financial performance indicators such as Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), and Net Profit Margin (NPM). The study utilized secondary data obtained from the annual reports and financial statements of selected listed manufacturing firms covering a five-year period (2020–2025). The data were analyzed using multiple regression models to test the formulated hypotheses. The findings revealed a statistically significant and positive relationship between CSR practices and all three financial performance indicators. These results indicate that firms engaging in CSR not only fulfill ethical and societal obligations but also experience improved financial outcomes. The study concludes that CSR serves as a strategic business tool for enhancing profitability, shareholder value, and operational efficiency. It recommends that manufacturing companies institutionalize CSR practices, engage stakeholders meaningfully, and adopt transparent reporting systems. Policymakers are also encouraged to provide incentives to promote CSR adoption across the manufacturing sector. The study contributes to the growing body of literature that supports CSR as a catalyst for sustainable business growth. Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Financial Performance, ROA, ROE, NPM, Manufacturing Companies, Nigeria