Daud Olatunji
At the recent Southwest Regional Conference on improving the regulatory environment for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria, stakeholders and lawmakers have called for the urgent need for collaboration to streamline the regulatory framework governing CSO operations.
The 2024 South-West Regional Conference organized by Global Rights in collaboration with the Community of Practice on Civil Space, with the theme: “Fostering Strategic Partnership for a Thriving Non-Profit Sector in Nigeria,”.
The event was held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and brought together representatives from all arms of government, development partners, and civil society groups.
Speaking at the conference, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Civil Society Organisations and Development Matters, Victor Obuzor, stressed the importance of a partnership between CSOs and the legislative arms of government to promote nation-building.
He highlighted the need for both parties to collaborate in order to deepen democracy, strengthen legislative procedures, and create a conducive working environment for CSOs.
Obuzor assured attendees that the National Assembly is prepared to amend existing laws to support the growth and effective functioning of these organisations.
Obuzor further explained that the regulatory environment, including the laws and policies that control and supervise CSO activities, is crucial for their success.
He stated that it is fundamental to have laws that back up the activities of civil society organisations, ensuring they can operate smoothly and contribute to national development.
Programme Manager of Global Rights, Edosa Oviawe, echoed this sentiment, noting that CSOs play a critical role in national development.
He pointed out that globally, these organisations are key elements in driving development initiatives, particularly at the grassroots level.
However, he lamented that in Nigeria, CSOs face numerous hurdles due to overbearing regulatory frameworks, including laws and policies that stifle their activities and limit their effectiveness.
Oviawe called for a partnership between CSOs, lawmakers, and the judiciary to address these challenges, particularly the issue of multiple registrations and fees imposed by various state Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
He highlighted the knowledge gap that exists among many CSOs, which often results in non-compliance with extant laws due to ignorance rather than intent.
The conference also featured remarks from key legislative figures, including the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, who was represented by the Chief Whip, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola.
Both speakers stressed the need for advocacy to streamline the regulatory framework governing CSO operations.
They called for harmonising registration processes, reducing the multiplicity of fees, and ensuring that regulations do not hinder the invaluable work of CSOs.
Ogundoyin, who is also the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, reiterated the critical role CSOs play in fostering democracy, promoting social justice, and driving development.
He acknowledged the significant challenges these organisations face due to stringent and overbearing regulatory standards, particularly at the sub-national level.
He assured the conference participants that he is committed to using his office to advocate for the necessary changes to create a more enabling environment for CSOs.
In her address, the Executive Director of Global Rights, Abiodun Baiyewu, emphasised that CSOs are an essential ingredient for the survival of any government.
She noted that various entities, including religious bodies, the media, and community associations, are integral parts of the civil society landscape and contribute to good governance and social accountability.
Dr. Abiola Akiode Afolabi, co-chair of the Civil Society Community of Practice, highlighted the need for a balanced approach to regulation during a strategic meeting organized by the group.
Speaking on the long-standing tension between the government and civil society organisations (CSOs), Dr. Afolabi emphasised the importance of finding a middle ground that ensures a fair, efficient, and effective regulatory framework.
Dr. Afolabi noted the significance of establishing a strategic partnership between the government and civil society to drive positive societal change.
The event provided an opportunity for civil society representatives to ask questions and seek clarity on compliance expectations.
Dr. Afolabi expressed hope that the commitments made during the meeting would lead to stronger collaboration between the government and CSOs moving forward.
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