EFFIONG JOSEPH

The role of industry in the socioeconomic development of a nation remains a subject of interest in modern societies. It is expected that industrial activities and operation will lead to improved socioeconomic development in their areas such industries are situated. It was on this premise that this study investigated the role of industry on national development using a case study of PRESCO PLC in Obaretin Community in Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 291 participants selected at random were sampled for this study. Useful data were elicited from these participants using a well-structured questionnaire. A simple descriptive analytical approach was utilised to address the research questions of interest. The results of the study indicated that more of the participants (77.4%) agreed that the siting of PRESCO contributed in alleviating poverty in the host community. Further findings revealed that PRESCO’s corporate social responsibility impacted, at least to a high extent, on the host community. The studyhowever, found that majority of the participants (82.6%) at least agreed that siting of PRESCO brought about high development to the host community. Although, it was found that 92.5 percent of the responses were of the view that PRESCO had provided employment to host community to at least a high extent. It was recommended amongst others, that the company should scale up her provision of basic facilities, endeavour to continuously initiate programmes that will support and promote small scale businesses in the area, and improve social and economic development of host community.