The Nigerian Senate has called on Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to leverage grants and public funding to improve accountability among public officials. Chairman of the Senate Committee on Diaspora and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs), Senator Victor Umeh, emphasized the need for CSOs to challenge misconduct and mobilize for positive change during the 3rd National Organisational Development Summit (NODS) in Abuja.
Senator Umeh highlighted that CSOs in Nigeria are not making their voices heard effectively, despite numerous issues requiring attention. “A lot of anomalies are being glossed over, but there is no organised noise to ask relevant questions to put leaders on their toes,” Umeh stated. He urged CSOs to revive positive activism and ensure grants and funding are used to drive impactful change.
Victoria Ibezim-Ohaeri, Executive Director of Spaces for Change (S4C), underscored the broader role of CSOs beyond charitable activities, noting their significant contributions in shaping policies and demanding reforms. Ibezim-Ohaeri stressed that the NODS summit serves as a platform for reflection and learning, aiming to overcome the challenges faced by CSOs.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Hon. Victor Obuzor, called for CSO support in rebuilding Nigeria. He reaffirmed the House’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for CSOs, including legislative reforms and increased funding.
Initiated in 2022, the NOD Summit has become a crucial platform for networking and collaboration within the sector. The 2024 Summit’s theme, “Driving Change and Innovation for Resilience and Performance,” focuses on equipping leaders with strategies for fostering innovation and promoting shared learning.
Key focus areas of the 2024 Summit include addressing shrinking donor funding, increased competition for resources, and evolving government regulations. The event features panel discussions, presentations of successful models, and showcases of innovative tools for capacity strengthening, aimed at enhancing the impact of CSOs in Nigeria.
