Fidelity Bank, Airtel Nigeria and Leadway Assurance emerged as the strongest-performing brands in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) media visibility during the second quarter of 2026, according to a new industry report tracking reputation-building efforts across Nigeria’s banking, telecommunications and insurance sectors.
The Q2 2026 CSR and ESG Media Visibility Report, published by P+ Measurement Services, assessed media coverage generated by 46 organisations between April and June 2026. The study found that only 12 brands recorded measurable visibility for their CSR and ESG activities, highlighting a significant gap between corporate participation in social impact initiatives and public communication of those efforts.
According to Brandspur Brand News, the report analysed coverage across 29 commercial banks, four telecommunications operators and 13 insurance companies using data gathered from about 1,809 print publications alongside monitored online media. CSR and ESG-related reports were isolated from each organisation’s overall media presence to determine sector-specific share of voice.
Among commercial banks, Fidelity Bank secured the largest share of CSR and ESG media visibility with 34%, ahead of Keystone Bank, Polaris Bank, UBA and Union Bank. The report attributed the lender’s performance to a steady stream of community-focused initiatives throughout the quarter, including welfare support, charitable donations and outreach programmes, rather than isolated campaigns.
In the telecommunications sector, Airtel Nigeria narrowly outperformed MTN Nigeria, accounting for 51% of CSR and ESG media visibility compared with MTN’s 46%, while Globacom recorded a much smaller share. The report noted that Airtel’s programmes supporting women’s financial inclusion and environmental education helped sustain its visibility, while MTN strengthened its profile through healthcare and community development initiatives.
Leadway Assurance dominated the insurance industry with a 53% share of CSR and ESG media coverage, surpassing AIICO Insurance, Consolidated Hallmark Insurance and Prudential Zenith Life Insurance combined. Its literacy-focused programme targeting young learners was identified as a major contributor to its strong reputation performance during the quarter.
Across the three sectors, the report concluded that companies maintaining consistent social investment programmes in education, healthcare, financial inclusion, environmental sustainability and community development attracted stronger media attention than organisations relying on occasional interventions.
P+ Measurement Services said the findings suggest CSR and ESG communication has become an increasingly important component of corporate reputation management, with sustained engagement helping brands strengthen stakeholder confidence beyond traditional product and service marketing. The consultancy added that 34 of the 46 organisations monitored generated no measurable CSR and ESG media visibility during the period, indicating substantial room for greater public engagement through purpose-driven communication.
