Business Ethics and Corporate Reputation Management: A Study of Dangote Industries in Lagos

This research investigates the relationship between business ethics practices and corporate reputation management at Dangote Industries, with reference to its Lagos-based operations in Nigeria's South West geopolitical zone. Corporate reputation is an intangible strategic asset that shapes stakeholder trust, investor confidence, and long-term brand equity, making ethical business conduct a critical management priority. This study employs a case study design with data gathered from 95 employees and external stakeholders through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed using thematic analysis for qualitative data and descriptive statistics for quantitative responses. The study examines ethics dimensions including transparency in financial reporting, anti-corruption policies, environmental responsibility, labour welfare standards, and community engagement commitments. Findings suggest that transparency in reporting and community engagement practices are the ethics dimensions most strongly associated with positive external reputation perceptions. Internal stakeholders rated labour welfare and anti-corruption measures as critical to institutional trust. The study also identifies media coverage quality and regulatory compliance history as important mediating variables in the ethics-reputation relationship. Recommendations include formalising ethics training for all managerial staff, establishing an independent ethics oversight committee, and strengthening corporate social responsibility communication strategies. This study contributes to the growing literature on ethical governance in large Nigerian conglomerates. Keywords: business ethics, corporate reputation, Dangote Industries, stakeholder trust, Lagos.