Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been viewed as a vital policy instrument in addressing the socio-economic and environmental challenges associated with petroleum exploration and production in Nigeria’s Niger Delta. Despite the region’s dominant to national revenue generation, decades of oil exploitation have produced environmental degradation, poverty, infrastructural decay, and persistent conflict. This study critically assesses CSR policy in Nigeria’s petroleum sector and analyses its implications for sustainable development in the Niger Delta. Anchored on stakeholder theory, the paper adopts a qualitative and analytical approach, drawing from existing literature, policy documents, and empirical studies to provide a comprehensive assessment of CSR and development outcomes in the Niger Delta. Focus prominently on the contributions of scholars such as Elensi et. al (2024), Idemudia (2011), Frynas (2005), Watts (2008), and Obi (2010), the study argues that CSR in the Niger Delta has largely remained philanthropic, fragmented, and poorly aligned with community development priorities. Though, recent policy reforms particularly the Petroleum Industry Act and local content policy have improved community participation and employment outcomes, CSR practices still fall short in addressing environmental remediation, inclusive governance, and long-term economic transformation. The study concludes that CSR can contribute meaningfully to Niger Delta development only when integrated into enforceable policy frameworks, community-driven planning mechanisms, and transparent accountability structures. It recommends among others, that CSR obligations should be fully integrated into statutory frameworks, with clear benchmarks, sanctions, and monitoring mechanisms.