This study examines the influence of corporate social responsibility on consumer perception of Nigerian companies in Delta State Senatorial Districts. The study was set to ascertain the specific CSR initiatives that have the most significant impact on consumer perception of Nigerian companies, the relationship between CSR communication strategies and consumer loyalty towards Nigerian companies and the challenges militating against effective CSR influence on consumer perception of Nigerian companies. The study adopted the Agenda Setting theory. The cross-sectional research design was adopted for the research. Out of the 300 copies of the questionnaire administered 233 copies of the questionnaire were correctly filled and returned. Using simple percentage mean to analyse the data, findings indicate that the specific CSR initiatives that have influence on consumer perception of Nigerian companies are predominantly environmental sustainability, community development programmes and healthcare support initiatives. It was also established that there is significant relationship between CSR communication strategies and consumer loyalty towards Nigerian companies. Other challenges militating against effective CSR influence on consumer perception of Nigerian companies were most especially weak regulatory framework governing CSR practices and scepticism about the authenticity of CSR initiatives. The study recommends that Nigerian companies should prioritize transparency and consistency in their CSR initiatives to build trust and credibility with consumers, Nigerian companies should involve local communities in the design and implementation of CSR initiatives to ensure relevance and effectiveness among others.
Keywords: Consumer, Corporate Social Responsibility, Influence, Perception, Strategies.
