Civil Society Groups in South-West Seek Stronger Laws, Inclusive Policies for Sustainable Operations
Civil Society Organizations in the southwest states of Nigeria have converged on Ibadan, Oyo state capital to clamour and consolidate the implementation of a harmonized regulatory framework that eliminate redundant registrations, enhance funding opportunities, and foster inclusive policy development.
The CSOs at the 2025 edition of the South-West Regional Conference also aimed at enunciating the role of key stakeholders, including lawmakers at the national and sub-national levels, government MDAs and regulators in translating policy to action to strengthen the regulatory environment for civil society organizations to operate effectively in the region.
The programme with the theme “Scaling Policy to Action – Strengthening the Regulatory Environment for Sustainable CSO Operations in the South West Region” which had in attendance over 200 in-person participants and over 100 virtual participants from Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos states was organized by Global Rights, Community Of Practice On Civil Space Strengthening and the European Union.
Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Senator Anthony Yaro, appreciated the tireless efforts of CSOs in driving positive change in Nigerian communities, emphasizing that the senate was ready to ear people’s views and concern before forming any national policy framework.
Senator Yaro said the need to strengthen the regulatory environment became imperative in order to align with modern laws and international best practices.
In his remarks, the speaker, Oyo state house of assembly, RT. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by Hon. Abiodun Babalola pledged to support actions that would provide an enabling environment for Civil Society organizations to thrive in the state.
Also speaking, Oyo State Chief Judge, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Hon Justice M.O Ishola explained that the clamour for clarifying Item 32 in 1999 constitution, to move it to the Concurrent List, was a pursuit of legal certainty that the judiciary supports in principle.
“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.
Speaking, Chairman, Governing Board of Global Rights, Professor Chidi Odinkalu maintained that the roles of Civil Society Organisations could not be overemphasized, hence, the need for collaboration among all the stakeholders in the Country for effective legislations , accountability and transparency
He admonished the CSOs to conform with ethical standards and comply with the regulations because they operate under the law
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.
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