S’West Civil Society Organizations Meet In Ibadan, Call For Improved Regulatory Environment To Operate
Civil Society Organizations, CSOs have called for the harmonization of regulatory framework that eliminates the multiplicity of registration requirements and streamlines CSO operations across South-West states
They made the call in Ibadan at the 2025 southwest Regional Conference, with the theme “Scaling Policy to Action – Strengthening the Regulatory Environment for Sustainable CSO Operations in the South West Region” aimed at addressing bureaucratic inaccessibility and coordination gaps.
The conference which had in attendance over 200 in-person participants across the southwest states of the federation, also hosted members of the legislative and judiciary arms of government to make contributions in line with legal framework for CSOs
Facilitated by European Union, Global Rights and Community Of Practice On Civil Space Strengthening, the programme also focused on reflecting on how the South-West States have fared in making the operational environment better for CSOs since the 2024 conference.
Speaking in his goodwill message, the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Anthony Siyako Yaro, who described civil society organizations as agents of significant impacts in promoting good governance and democracy in Nigeria, said the need to strengthen the regulatory environment became imperative in order to align with modern laws and international best practices.
Senator Yaro appreciated the tireless efforts of CSOs in driving positive change in communities in developing countries like Nigeria
The lawmaker also gave assurance that the senate was ready to listen to people’s views and concern before forming a national policy frame work.
He said “Areas and impacts of CSOs are found so much, and therefore we need Civil Societies integrity, courageous and up and doing, hence the need for the conference. We are policy makers, we will always interact with stakeholders, we take your views and put them into policy form”
Senator Yaro expressed confidence that Nigeria can create enabling environment that empowers civil society organizations to thrive and deliver impactful result.
He said the CSOs ensure that government is accountable to citizens while the rights of marginalized community are protected.
Also speaking, Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Hon Justice M.O Ishola said constitutional ambiguity has, for too long, created a legal grey area that complicates state-level incorporation and fosters a culture of multi-agency regulation that is more burdensome than beneficial.
Justice Yerima hinted that the advocacy for clarifying Item 32 in 1999 constitution, whether through judicial interpretation or legislative action to move it to the Concurrent List, was a pursuit of legal certainty that the judiciary supports in principle.
“The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, in its Second Schedule, presents us with the challenge of Item 32. This constitutional ambiguity has, for too long, created a legal grey area that complicates state-level incorporation and fosters a culture of multi-agency regulation that is more burdensome than beneficial.
“The judiciary has a vested interest in clarity and the rule of law. Ambiguity breeds litigation, disputes, and uncertainty-all of which are antithetical to a stable operational environment. Therefore, the advocacy for clarifying Item 32, whether through judicial interpretation or legislative action to move it to the Concurrent List, is a pursuit of legal certainty that the judiciary supports in principle.
In an address of welcome, the Chairman, Global Rights Governing Board, Professor Chidi Odinkalu said for any society that works, citizens must be provided with an enabling environment to speak against societal ills which he said the civil society organizations helps to achieve in a constructive manner.
Professor Odinkalu Who identified immense contributions of the CSOs in Nigeria’s socioeconomic development, said all stakeholders are partners in making the society become more better for all, hence the need for mutual collaboration.
He however solicited a legal framework that will encourage civil societies to thrive, but warned CSOs not use it as an opportunity to break the law.
He admonished the CSOs to conform with ethical standard and prioritize doing things in the right way while performing their civic duties
Addressing the gathering, Head of Cooperations, European Union Delegation to Nigeria and West Africa Mr. Massimo DE LUCA expressed hope that the outcome of the conference would reflect on better performances of CSOs across Nigeria.
In a presentation of the 2024 state ranking dashboard on Nigerian Civil Society Operational Environment, Mr. Edosa Oviawe from Global Rights listed Sokoto, Zamfara, and Bauchi states as the three states toping the ranking while Akwa Ibom, Cross River and Anambra have the lowest conducive environment to operate.
Contributing, the Co-Chair, Community of Practice on Civic Space Strengthening Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi emphasized the need for more publicity of work done, admonishing civil society organizations to establish mutual relationship with the media to enhance visibility of their activities.
Other stakeholders, including Professor Adekunle Adedeji, Mrs Toyin Ogedegbe, Mrs Omolara Balogun at different panel sessions spoke on “Innovative Strategies for Navigating Shrinking Funding for CSOs in South-West States”; “Sustaining Partnership towards Legislative and Regulatory Action for Improved CSO Operations”
